NewzIntel.com

Category: housing

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Myanmar: Recklessly abrupt US aid stoppage poses existential threat to human rights

    Source: Amnesty International –

    The United States government’s abrupt and sweeping freeze on foreign aid is severely imperiling the human rights of refugees, civilians in armed conflict areas and individuals fleeing persecution in Myanmar, Amnesty International said today.

    The organization warned that lives could be lost unless the decision is urgently reversed, amended or if waivers for life-saving assistance are not immediately granted and swiftly implemented for those working on the ground.

    “The Trump administration’s cruel decision to issue immediate stop work orders on foreign aid is having an instant and devastating impact across the globe, and in Myanmar it is hitting people at a particularly dark hour,” said Amnesty International’s Myanmar Researcher Joe Freeman.

    “The decision has abruptly shut down hospitals in refugee camps, put fleeing human rights defenders at risk of deportation and imperiled programs helping people prevent atrocities, survive in conflict zones and rebuild their lives amid ongoing waves of violence.”

    On 20 January, US President Donald Trump signed a presidential executive order pausing all foreign aid amid a 90-day review of whether it is consistent with American foreign policy. On 24 January, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a stop work order to those delivering assistance worldwide as part of the review, but carved out exemptions to the pause for emergency food assistance, as well as military aid to Israel and Egypt.

    An additional waiver dated 28 January exempted “life-saving humanitarian assistance” from the stoppage, while follow-up clarifications in the first week of February broadened the exemptions for specific activities. However, based on Amnesty’s latest research, implementation of these waivers has yet to trickle down to many organizations working along the Thai-Myanmar border. 

    “The US government’s shocking move has had immediate global impacts whose real-life consequences are still being felt and understood. Our findings from Myanmar and Thailand provide just one example of the damage wrought by this heartless decision,” Joe Freeman said.

    In Myanmar, the funding pause has further devastated a civilian population already enduring escalating armed conflict, widespread displacement and severe human rights violations by a military that seized power in a coup more than four years ago. It has also sowed chaos, desperation and anguish among tens of thousands of Myanmar refugees living in Thailand.

    The US is effectively giving the rights-abusing Myanmar military an invaluable gift in their crackdown on freedom of expression

    To date, US funding has helped many endure the upheaval by supporting emergency shelter or relocation for activists, delivering food aid, helping create early-warning systems for air strikes, delivering medical treatment in war zones and providing education opportunities to those who have lost all hope of a future.

    From 3-10 February, Amnesty International spoke to 12 Myanmar refugees living in camps along the border in Thailand, along with representatives from 14 organizations with Myanmar-focused activities. They include health workers, human rights researchers and NGOs providing cross-border assistance as well as media and education providers. All warned of severe consequences if the decision was not reversed or amended. Not one had received a communication or confirmation of a waiver from the US government to continue operations.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI Video: UK Watch live: Lords marks Holocaust Memorial Day 2025

    Source: United Kingdom UK House of Lords (video statements)

    Find out more and see who’s taking part https://www.parliament.uk/business/news/2025/february/lords-marks-holocaust-memorial-day-2025/

    Catch-up on House of Lords business:

    Watch live events: https://parliamentlive.tv/Lords
    Read the latest news: https://www.parliament.uk/lords/

    Stay up to date with the House of Lords on social media:

    • X: https://twitter.com/UKHouseofLords
    • Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/houseoflords.parliament.uk
    • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/UKHouseofLords/
    • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UKHouseofLords
    • Flickr: https://flickr.com/photos/ukhouseoflords/albums
    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-house-of-lords
    • Threads: https://www.threads.net/@UKHouseOfLords

    #HouseOfLords #UKParliament

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3nK1VWCdSI

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Statement on Northbrook House and Windale House

    Source: City of Oxford

    Northbrook House and Windale House were originally built in the 1960s as sheltered accommodation and are two of the oldest schemes now used for over-60s housing.  

    We told residents in 2018 our long-term plans were to demolish both buildings and redevelop the sites for new council homes. 

    The condition of both buildings is deteriorating, including lifts and communal areas. While neither is yet at the end of its viable life, both blocks would require substantial and subsequent ongoing investment to prolong their current use. 

    The blocks do not meet modern design and accessibility standards. Some homes are bedsits which we have been phasing out across our housing as they are no longer popular housing options. It also means they are not big enough for a wet room and their doors are not wide enough to provide wheelchair access. 

    It would not be possible to bring Northbrook House and Windale House up to modern accessibility standards – including wheelchair access, bathroom design and adaptable kitchen layouts – without demolishing and rebuilding them.  

    The housing crisis 

    Northbrook House and Windale House are currently designated as housing for the over-60s, with areas like communal lounges built to 1960s requirements. In 2025, many people over the age of 60 don’t want to live in that type of communal setting and this is reflected in lower demand for this type of housing. 

    We have a number of blocks of flats for the over-60s and the waiting period is often just a few months. In contrast, most people wait years for general needs council housing and there is no guarantee of a council home however long you spend on the list. 

    In the last few years, the cost of living, record private rent rises and the delay in delivering a ‘no fault’ eviction ban first promised in 2019 have fuelled a sharp rise in homelessness in Oxford and across the country. 

    We are dealing with spiralling demand for temporary accommodation for people who become homeless in Oxford. In January alone, we provided temporary accommodation for a further 63 households. We have had to house more than 120 households in bed and breakfast or budget hotels as there is not enough temporary housing available. 

    There are more than 3,500 people on the housing register waiting for a settled home.  

    It would be better for us to invest our limited resources in meeting these urgent needs than in temporarily extending the life of both blocks in a piecemeal and increasingly expensive way. 

    Supporting people to move to a suitable new home 

    We met with tenants at both blocks on Monday 3 February to discuss our plans and address concerns about their future. While some people had understandable concerns about the upheaval this would mean, many residents took up our offer of one-to-one conversations about the support available to help them move. 

    We will support everyone to move to in a responsible, planned way, ensuring their new home is suitable and meets their needs.  

    This means somewhere with the same or similar secure tenancy rights and is therefore likely to be a council or housing association home through our transfer list. 

    Two officers are providing onsite specialist support to help people move. Residents will be given high priority to bid for a new home of their choice and supported through every stage of the process. 

    All residents will receive a statutory Home Loss payment and we will provide extra financial and practical help with packing, moving and fitting out their new homes.  

    Where people need support with other options like extra care housing, we will arrange this. 

    What happens next? 

    We aim to help everybody move out of Northbrook House and Windale House by the end of April 2026.  

    When both blocks are empty – and not before – we will put them to meanwhile use as temporary accommodation while we make plans to redevelop the sites for new council homes. 

    Who gets housed in temporary accommodation? 

    We provide temporary accommodation to people who become homeless in Oxford – for example, because of a ‘no fault’ eviction from a private rented tenancy.  

    With very few exceptions, we can only offer temporary accommodation to people with a local connection. This usually means they must live in or have a recent history of living in Oxford, have a job here or close family in the city.  

    People in asylum hotels are the responsibility of the Home Office, which provides them with accommodation.  

    Oxford City Council is not legally allowed to provide asylum seekers with temporary accommodation or a council tenancy. 

    Northbrook House and Windale House will not be used by the Home Office. 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: 25 Years Ago: STS-99, the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission

    Source: NASA

    On Feb. 11, 2000, space shuttle Endeavour took to the skies on its 14th trip into space on the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM). The international STS-99 crew included Commander Kevin Kregel, Pilot Dominic Gorie, and Mission Specialists Gerhard Thiele of Germany representing the European Space Agency, Janet Kavandi, Janice Voss, who served as payload commander on the mission, and Mamoru Mohri of the National Space Development Agency (NASDA) of Japan, now the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency.  
    During their 11-day mission, the astronauts used the radar instruments in Endeavour’s payload bay to obtain elevation data on a near global scale. The data produced the most complete, high-resolution digital elevation model of the Earth. The SRTM comprised a cooperative effort among NASA with the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, California, managing the project, the Department of Defense’s National Imagery and Mapping Agency, the German space agency, and the Italian space agency. Prior to SRTM, scientists had a more detailed topographic map of Venus than of the Earth, thanks to the Magellan radar mapping mission. 

    NASA assigned the STS-99 crew in October 1998. For Kregel, selected by NASA as an astronaut in 1992, STS-99 marked his fourth trip to space, having served as pilot on STS-70 and STS-78 and commanded STS-87. Gorie and Kavandi, both selected in 1994, previously flew together as pilot and mission specialist, respectively, on STS-91, the final Shuttle Mir docking mission. Voss, selected in 1990, served as a mission specialist on STS-57 and STS-63, and as payload commander on STS-83 and STS-94. NASDA selected Mohri as an astronaut in 1985 and he previously flew as a payload specialist on STS-47, the Spacelab-J mission. Selected as an astronaut by the German space agency in 1987, Thiele joined the European Astronaut Corps in 1998, completing his first spaceflight on STS-99.  
    The SRTM used an innovative technique called radar interferometry to image the Earth’s landmasses at resolutions up to 30 times greater than previously achieved. Two of the synthetic aperture radar instruments comprising the SRTM payload had flown previously, on the STS-59 Shuttle Radar Laboratory-1 (SRL-1) and the STS-68 SRL-2 missions in April and October 1994, respectively.  A second receiver antenna, placed at the end of a 200-foot deployable mast, enabled the interferometry during SRTM. 

    Workers rolled Endeavour to the Vehicle Assembly Building on Dec. 2 for mating with its external tank and solid rocket boosters, and then out to Launch Pad 39A on Dec. 13. The astronauts traveled to Kennedy to participate in the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test Jan. 11-14, returning afterwards to Houston for final training. They traveled back to Kennedy on Jan. 27 for the first launch attempt four days later. After two launch attempts, the STS-99 mission prepared to liftoff on Feb. 11, 2000. 

    At 12:43 p.m. EST, Endeavour thundered into the sky from Kennedy’s Launch Pad 39A to begin the STS-99 mission. Thirty-seven minutes later, a brief firing of the orbiter’s two engines placed Endeavour in the proper 145-mile orbit for the radar scanning. 

    Shortly after reaching orbit, the crew opened the payload bay doors and deployed the shuttle’s radiators.   Kavandi and Thiele turned on the instruments, deployed the 200-foot mast, and conducted initial checkouts of the radars. The crew split into two shifts to enable data collection around the clock during the mission. After overseeing the initial activation of the radars, the red shift of Kregel, Kavandi, and Thiele began their first sleep period as the blue shift of Gorie, Voss, and Mohri picked up with activation and began the first data takes. 
    The major crew activity for SRTM involved changing tapes every 30 minutes. The SRTM generated 332 high density tapes during more than 222 hours of data collection and these recordings covered 99.96 percent of the planned observations. Data collection finished on the mission’s 10th flight day, after which the astronauts reeled the mast back into its container in the payload bay. 

    NASA’s EarthKAM program enabled middle school students to remotely take photographs of the Earth using an electronic still camera mounted in one of the shuttle’s windows. The University of California at San Diego houses the control center for EarthKAM, linked with middle schools via the Internet. Students choose Earth targets of interest, and the camera takes photos of that region as the shuttle passes overhead. A then-record 75 schools from around the world participated in the EarthKAM project on STS-99, the camera returning 2,715 images of the Earth. 
    The STS-99 astronauts also spent time taking photographs of the Earth using handheld cameras and the high inclination orbit enabled views of some parts of the Earth rarely seen by shuttle astronauts. 

    On Feb. 22, the crew closed Endeavour’s payload bay doors, donned their launch and entry suits, and strapped themselves into their seats for entry and landing. Kregel piloted Endeavour to a smooth landing on Kennedy’s Shuttle Landing Facility. The crew had flown 181 orbits around the Earth in 11 days, 5 hours, and 39 minutes. Enjoy the crew narrate a video about the STS-99 mission.  
    Postscript 

    During the 11-day mission, SRTM collected more than one trillion data points, generating 12.3 terabytes of 3-D data of the Earth. Earnest Paylor, SRTM program scientist at NASA Headquarters in Washington, D.C., called the mission “a magnificent accomplishment.” He cited that SRTM imaged by radar equatorial regions of the Earth previously unmapped due to constant cloud cover. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Naval Hospital Yokosuka and ASBBC Okinawa Successfully Complete Groundbreaking Blood Drive

    Source: United States Navy (Medical)

    YOKOSUKA, Japan – U.S. Naval Hospital (USNH) Yokosuka, in partnership with the Armed Services Blood Bank Center (ASBBC) Okinawa, successfully hosted a groundbreaking two-day blood drive, marking the first-ever mobilization of the ASBBC Okinawa team to Yokosuka, Jan. 29 and 30.

    The event saw more than 200 potential donors, resulting in 110 successful whole blood donations. This initiative plays a critical role in strengthening blood sustainment efforts within the IndoPacific region at far forward military treatment facilities (MTF).

    “All the hard work, meticulous planning, and collaborative coordination from all teams and partners were truly worthwhile,’ said USNH Yokosuka’s Laboratory department head Lt. Sheryll Tagura. “Our ultimate goal is to support not only our warfighters at sea, on land, and in the air but also their families at the home front.”

    Extensive Planning and Coordination

    The success of the blood drive was made possible through six months of meticulous planning and coordination. The USNH Yokosuka laboratory team, with essential support from the 374th Medical Group’s lab team at Yokota Air Base team, was responsible for the logistics of hosting the ASBBC Okinawa team. More than 33 personnel, including American Red Cross Yokosuka volunteers, dedicated over 500 man-hours to execute the event.

    During the drive, the hospital’s laboratory staff processed over 600 blood samples and managed the storage of 110 whole blood units. Additionally, the team facilitated training and education for the hospital’s Walking Blood Bank team. A Walking Blood Bank (WBB) is a system where pre-
    screened individuals, usually military personnel or members of a community, can donate fresh whole blood in emergency situations. While screening samples during the blood drive, the WBB program added 37 successful prescreens to their inventory.

    “I want to thank our partners: ASBBC, Yokota AFB Laboratory, 613TH Air Operations Center, Yokota Air Base, Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Yokosuka’s Officers’ Club, American Red Cross, Navy Commissary, Commander, Fleet Air Western Pacific, and most especially our blood donors,” said Tagura. “If our efforts save even one life, then it was all worth it.”

    Collaboration with ASBBC Okinawa

    The collaboration with ASBBC Okinawa proved to be an exceptional experience for the USNH Yokosuka team. “We had the opportunity to observe their extensive expertise and professionalism in action,” said Hospital Corpsman 1st Class David Sisto. “Their team is highly trained and operates with remarkable efficiency. We look forward to future opportunities to work together.”

    The ASBBC Okinawa team consisted of 14 personnel, including 12 enlisted members from the Air Force, Army, and Navy, one officer from the Air Force, and one civilian technical supervisor. Their involvement was crucial in executing the drive effectively.

    Strategic Importance of Mainland Blood Drives

    The ASBBC Okinawa team emphasized the significance of conducting blood drives in mainland Japan, as they provide an underutilized resource for sustaining blood supply in the Indo-Pacific region. This effort follows a previous mainland blood drive at Yokota Air Base, further expanding the reach and capabilities of ASBBC.

    “Executing this blood drive in Yokosuka has provided us with invaluable knowledge on mobilizing off-island and within mainland Japan,” said U.S. Indo-Pacific ASBBC Deputy Director Air Force Capt. Yessenia Greene. “This experience has strengthened our ability to operate in emergency and contested environments while building a joint network across military services for large-scale blood drives.”

    Looking Ahead

    Given the success of this inaugural event, ASBBC Okinawa anticipates conducting more blood drives on mainland Japan in the future.
    “We had a great experience working with USNH Yokosuka,” Greene added. “The team was phenomenal, and leadership was incredibly supportive. This initiative has set the stage for future mobilizations, and we hope to return to Yokosuka for another blood drive soon.”

    ASBBC Okinawa is the sole source of fresh blood in support of the U.S. 7th Fleet and all Defense Health Agency military treatment facilities in the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command area of operations.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Coop Pank held an investor webinar to introduce unaudited results of Q4 and 12 month of 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Today, on 13 February 2024 at 9 am (EET), Coop Pank held an investor webinar, where the Chairman of the Board Margus Rink and Chief Financial Officer Paavo Truu introduced the bank’s Q4 and 12 month of 2024 unaudited financial results. Webinar was held in Estonian language.  

    Coop Pank would like to thank all participants. Webinar recording is available here:
    https://youtu.be/XHWdTjDnFbo?si=-aAiISEtqk0FGk7G

    Coop Pank’s report for unaudited results of Q4 and 12 month of 2024 and the presentation is available here:
    https://view.news.eu.nasdaq.com/view?id=1342555&lang=en

    Coop Pank, based on Estonian capital, is one of the five universal banks operating in Estonia. The number of clients using Coop Pank for their daily banking has reached 208,000. Coop Pank aims to put the synergy generated by the interaction of retail business and banking to good use and to bring everyday banking services closer to people’s homes. The strategic shareholder of the bank is the domestic retail chain Coop Eesti comprising 320 stores.

    Additional information:
    Katre Tatrik
    Communication Manager
    Tel: +372 5151 859
    E-mail: katre.tatrik@cooppank.ee

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: YieldMax™ Unveils New Weekly Pay 0DTE Covered Call Strategy ETF on the Nasdaq 100 Index

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CHICAGO, MILWAUKEE and NEW YORK, Feb. 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — YieldMax™ announced the launch today of the following ETF:

    YieldMax™ Nasdaq 100 0DTE Covered Call Strategy ETF (Nasdaq: QDTY)

    QDTY Overview        
    QDTY follows an active management approach that utilizes a synthetic covered call strategy designed to generate weekly income while also providing exposure to the price return of an Index.

    • QDTY is designed to generate weekly income, while also providing exposure to the price return of the Nasdaq 100 Index (the “Index”).
    • QDTY seeks to generate income primarily by utilizing zero days to expiry (“0DTE”) options on the Index and/or passively managed ETFs that tracks the Index’s performance (the “Index ETFs”).

    Index
    The Nasdaq 100 Index is a benchmark index comprising 100 of the largest non-financial companies listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market, based on market capitalization. This large-cap index, heavily weighted towards the technology sector, represents various industries, including consumer discretionary, healthcare, communication services, and industrials, reflecting Nasdaq’s historical strength.

    QDTY’s Option Strategy

    QDTY employs a synthetic covered call strategy by selling and purchasing call options on the Index or Index ETFs. Each business day, typically at market open, the Fund sells out-of-the-money (OTM) call options with zero days to expiration (“0DTE”), which expire the same day they are sold. OTM options have a strike price above the current Index value. QDTY’s synthetic covered call strategy is established by combining the call options sold to generate income with buying call options for exposure to the Index.

    QDTY’s Return Profile and Index Performance

    QDTY earns income by selling out-of-the-money 0DTE call options daily. The premiums from these options add to income but limit participation in Index gains. If the Index rises past the strike price, losses on sold options can offset gains. This strategy balances income generation with limited Index upside exposure while premiums can help mitigate losses if the Index declines.

    QDTY’s Distribution Schedule
    Like all YieldMax™ ETFs, QDTY aims to generate income for investors. With respect to distributions, QDTY aims to make distributions on a weekly basis, and its first weekly distribution is expected to be announced on February 26, 2025.

    Why Invest in QDTY?

    • QDTY seeks to generate weekly income, which is not dependent on the value of the Index (or the Index ETFs).
    • QDTY aims to participate in a portion of the Index gains, which may be capped.

    Important Information

    Investors should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses carefully before investing. For a prospectus or summary prospectus with this and other information about each Fund, visit our website at www.YieldMaxETFs.com. Read the prospectus or summary prospectus carefully before investing.

    There is no guarantee that any Fund’s investment strategy will be properly implemented, and an investor may lose some or all of its investment in any such Fund.

    Tidal Financial Group is the adviser for all YieldMax™ ETFs.

    THE FUND, TRUST, AND ADVISER ARE NOT AFFILIATED WITH ANY UNDERLYING REFERENCE ASSET.

    Risk Disclosures

    Investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible.

    Referenced Index Risk. The Fund invests in options contracts that are based on the value of the Index (or the Index ETFs). This subjects the Fund to certain of the same risks as if it owned shares of companies that comprised the Index or an ETF that tracks the Index, even though it does not.

    Indirect Investment Risk. The Index is not affiliated with the Trust, the Fund, the Adviser, or their respective affiliates and is not involved with this offering in any way. Investors in the Fund will not have the right to receive dividends or other distributions or any other rights with respect to the companies that comprise the Index but will be subject to declines in the performance of the Index.

    The Nasdaq 100 Index Risks. The Index’s major risks stem from its high concentration in the technology sector and significant exposure to high-growth, high-valuation companies. A downturn in the tech industry, whether from regulatory changes, shifts in technology, or competitive pressures, can greatly impact the index.

    Call Writing Strategy Risk. The path dependency (i.e., the continued use) of the Fund’s call writing strategy will impact the extent that the Fund participates in the positive price returns of the underlying reference asset and, in turn, the Fund’s returns, both during the term of the sold call options and over longer periods.

    Counterparty Risk. The Fund is subject to counterparty risk by virtue of its investments in options contracts. Transactions in some types of derivatives, including options, are required to be centrally cleared (“cleared derivatives”). In a transaction involving cleared derivatives, the Fund’s counterparty is a clearing house rather than a bank or broker. Since the Fund is not a member of clearing houses and only members of a clearing house (“clearing members”) can participate directly in the clearing house, the Fund will hold cleared derivatives through accounts at clearing members.

    Derivatives Risk. Derivatives are financial instruments that derive value from the underlying reference asset or assets, such as stocks, bonds, or funds (including ETFs), interest rates or indexes. The Fund’s investments in derivatives may pose risks in addition to, and greater than, those associated with directly investing in securities or other ordinary investments, including risk related to the market, imperfect correlation with underlying investments or the Fund’s other Index (or ETFs that track the Index’s performance)holdings, higher price volatility, lack of availability, counterparty risk, liquidity, valuation and legal restrictions.

    Options Contracts. The use of options contracts involves investment strategies and risks different from those associated with ordinary Index (or ETFs that track the Index’s performance) securities transactions. The prices of options are volatile and are influenced by, among other things, actual and anticipated changes in the value of the underlying instrument, including the anticipated volatility, which are affected by fiscal and monetary policies and by national and international political, changes in the actual or implied volatility or the reference asset, the time remaining until the expiration of the option contract and economic events.

    Distribution Risk. As part of the Fund’s investment objective, the Fund seeks to provide current income. There is no assurance that the Fund will make a distribution in any given period. If the Fund does make distributions, the amounts of such distributions will likely vary greatly from one distribution to the next. Additionally, monthly distributions, if any, may consist of returns of capital, which would decrease the Fund’s NAV and trading price over time.

    High Index (or Index ETF) Turnover Risk. The Fund may actively and frequently trade all or a significant portion of the Fund’s holdings. A high Index (or Index ETF) turnover rate increases transaction costs, which may increase the Fund’s expenses.

    Liquidity Risk. Some securities held by the Fund, including options contracts, may be difficult to sell or be illiquid, particularly during times of market turmoil.

    Non-Diversification Risk. Because the Fund is “non-diversified,” it may invest a greater percentage of its assets in the securities of a single issuer or a smaller number of issuers than if it was a diversified fund.

    New Fund Risk. The Fund is a recently organized management investment company with no operating history. As a result, prospective investors do not have a track record or history on which to base their investment decisions.

    Price Participation Risk. The Fund employs an investment strategy that includes the sale of call option contracts, which limits the degree to which the Fund will participate in increases in value experienced by the underlying reference asset over the Call Period.

    Inflation Risk. Inflation risk is the risk that the value of assets or income from investments will be less in the future as inflation decreases the value of money. As inflation increases, the present value of the Fund’s assets and distributions, if any, may decline.

    YieldMax™ ETFs are distributed by Foreside Fund Services, LLC. Foreside is not affiliated with Tidal Financial Group or YieldMax™ ETFs.

    © 2025 YieldMax™ ETFs

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: OTC Markets Group Welcomes Concurrent Technologies Plc to OTCQX

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, Feb. 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — OTC Markets Group Inc. (OTCQX: OTCM), operator of regulated markets for trading 12,000 U.S. and international securities, today announced Concurrent Technologies Plc (LSE: CNC; OTCQX: COTGF), a designer and manufacturer of leading-edge computer products, systems, and mission-critical solutions used in high-performance markets by some of the world’s major OEMs, has qualified to trade on the OTCQX® Best Market. Concurrent Technologies Plc upgraded to OTCQX from the Pink® market.

    Concurrent Technologies Plc begins trading today on OTCQX under the symbol “COTGF.” U.S. investors can find current financial disclosure and Real-Time Level 2 quotes for the company on www.otcmarkets.com.

    Upgrading to the OTCQX Market is an important step for companies seeking to provide transparent trading for their U.S. investors.  For companies listed on a qualified international exchange, streamlined market standards enable them to utilize their home market reporting to make their information available in the U.S. To qualify for OTCQX, companies must meet high financial standards, follow best practice corporate governance and demonstrate compliance with applicable securities laws.

    Miles Adcock, CEO of Concurrent Technologies Plc commented: “Located in LA and Boston, and with a fast-growing employee base, America is a key home market for the company.  It is also our largest and fastest growing region for sales. Offering domestic investors and employees access to our stock is an important step in aligning all interests to our continued success.”

    About Concurrent Technologies Plc
    Concurrent Technologies Plc develops and manufactures high-end embedded plug-in cards and systems for use in a wide range of high-performance, long-life cycle applications within the telecommunications, defense, security, telemetry, scientific and aerospace markets, including applications within extremely harsh environments. The processor products feature Intel processors, including the latest generation embedded Intel Core processors, Intel Xeon and Intel Atom processors. The products are designed to be compliant with industry specifications and support many of today’s leading embedded operating systems. The products are sold world-wide.

    About OTC Markets Group Inc.
    OTC Markets Group Inc. (OTCQX: OTCM) operates regulated markets for trading 12,000 U.S. and international securities. Our data-driven disclosure standards form the foundation of our three public markets: OTCQX® Best Market, OTCQB® Venture Market and Pink® Open Market.

    Our OTC Link® Alternative Trading Systems (ATSs) provide critical market infrastructure that broker-dealers rely on to facilitate trading. Our innovative model offers companies more efficient access to the U.S. financial markets.

    OTC Link ATS, OTC Link ECN and OTC Link NQB are each an SEC regulated ATS, operated by OTC Link LLC, a FINRA and SEC registered broker-dealer, member SIPC.

    To learn more about how we create better informed and more efficient markets, visit www.otcmarkets.com.

    Subscribe to the OTC Markets RSS Feed

    Media Contact:
    OTC Markets Group Inc., +1 (212) 896-4428, media@otcmarkets.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Prospect’s Real Estate Platform Provides $12 Million in Preferred Equity to Class A Stabilized Cash Flowing Multifamily Property in Scottsdale

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, Feb. 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Prospect Capital Management L.P. (“Prospect”), through its real estate platform, has closed on a preferred equity investment to recapitalize the Roadrunner on McDowell, a 356-unit, Class A stabilized cash flowing multifamily property in Scottsdale, Arizona.  Constructed in 2021, the property is owned by KB Development, a privately-owned multifamily operator headquartered in California with a substantial presence in the greater Phoenix area. The property is professionally managed under the leadership of Amber Foster, COO of Caspian Properties.

    Prospect’s Real Estate Platform Provides $12 Million in Preferred Equity to Class A Stabilized Cash Flowing Multifamily Property in Scottsdale.

    “Prospect’s real estate platform is actively investing capital in high-quality multifamily assets in growth-oriented markets, with Scottsdale as a prime example of the type of submarket where we perceive attractive long-term fundamentals,” said Grier Eliasek, Prospect’s President and COO. “This transaction underscores our ability to provide flexible and strategic capital to experienced and well-capitalized sponsors, and our pipeline of similar potential transactions continues to grow.”

    “Roadrunner on McDowell offers a resort-style residential experience in one of Phoenix’s most compelling submarkets,” said Joseph Ryu, Principal and head of Prospect’s real estate credit platform.  “With proximity to Old Town Scottsdale, Roadrunner is a highly-amenitized asset in a desirable market with strong secular demand.”

    Peter Clasquin and Ian Hawk at Lument originated the Freddie Mac senior loan.

    About Prospect Capital Management L.P.

    Prospect, headquartered in New York City, is an SEC-registered investment adviser that, along with its predecessors and affiliates, has 37 years of experience investing in and managing high-yielding debt and equity investments using both private partnerships and publicly traded closed-end structures. Prospect and its affiliates employ a team of 150 professionals and offer investment solutions across credit, private equity, and real estate.

    Prospect’s real estate platform invests in U.S. commercial real estate credit including senior mortgages, mezzanine loans and preferred and other equity investments.  As of December 31, 2024, Prospect and its affiliates had invested in over 32,000 multifamily units, with initial property value of $3.5 billion, and realized 36 multifamily investments.

    Prospect, together with its affiliates, has $8.3 billion of regulatory assets under management as of December 31, 2024. For more information, call (212) 448-0702 or visit www.prospectcap.com.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c75059c7-fa3a-49bc-88ce-79096150dc38

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Bitget Wallet Integrates Story Protocol Mainnet, Enables IP Airdrop Claims

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VICTORIA, Seychelles, Feb. 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitget Wallet, a leading Web3 non-custodial wallet, has integrated with the Story Protocol mainnet, enabling users to connect to the network and claim their $IP airdrop. This integration provides a direct way for users to engage with Story Protocol’s decentralized intellectual property ecosystem.

    Users can now add the Story mainnet through Bitget Wallet and navigate to the Discover section to connect their wallets and check their airdrop eligibility. Users with a Gitcoin Passport score of 20 or higher can claim their $IP tokens starting February 13 for 30 days. Bitget Wallet also offers access to the Story DApp section, where users can explore key projects within the Story Protocol ecosystem. New users who register on Bitget Wallet and deposit over 25 $IP between February 13 and February 20 will receive a gas voucher worth 5 USDT, with a chance to win an additional reward worth up to 100 USDT.

    Story Protocol is a blockchain-based framework designed to manage intellectual property in a decentralized environment. It allows creators to tokenize, license, and track the use of their work on-chain. The mainnet launch and airdrop mark an important step in building a more transparent and efficient system for digital content ownership and distribution.

    By integrating with Story Protocol, Bitget Wallet continues to expand its support for blockchain ecosystems focused on digital content and intellectual property. “Decentralized technologies are redefining how content is created and shared. Bitget Wallet is committed to supporting projects like Story Protocol that introduce new models for content ownership. We look forward to further collaboration and new initiatives that enhance user engagement in Web3,” said Alvin Kan, COO of Bitget Wallet.

    About Bitget Wallet
    Bitget Wallet is the home of Web3, uniting endless possibilities in one non-custodial wallet. With over 60 million users, it offers comprehensive onchain services, including asset management, instant swaps, rewards, staking, trading tools, live market data, a DApp browser, an NFT marketplace and crypto payment. Supporting over 100 blockchains, 20,000+ DApps, and 500,000+ tokens, Bitget Wallet enables seamless multi-chain trading across hundreds of DEXs and cross-chain bridges, along with a $300+ million protection fund to ensure safety of users’ assets. Experience Bitget Wallet Lite to start a Web3 journey.
    For more information, visit: X | Telegram | Instagram | YouTube | LinkedIn | TikTok | Discord | Facebook
    For media inquiries, please contact media.web3@bitget.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2c75d6b6-d5a2-490b-b942-b436de20fe99

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Sellafield apprentices delivering social impact across Cumbria

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Sellafield Ltd Project Management Degree Apprentices helping local charities as part of the Association for Project Management Challenge.

    Volunteers at the North Lakes Foodbank’s Holiday Lunch Pack Scheme

    Sixteen Sellafield Ltd Project Management Degree Apprentices have entered the Association for Project Management (APM) Challenge, an annual competition for newcomers to project management that has been running for nearly a decade.

    Competitors form teams and are tasked with proposing and delivering a social impact project from concept to completion, using APM competencies and project management best practices, supported by an experienced mentor who will help nurture their progress.

    The competition is backed by regional networks and culminates in a final awards ceremony where the highest-scoring teams present their projects and winners are announced.

    One Sellafield team has focused their project on aiding improvements within the local Animal Concern Cumbria charity, which supports neglected and unwanted animals, striving to rehome them wherever possible.

    The team met with the charity to discuss priority renovations and plans to improve the indoor area and visitors’ room for potential adopters.

    They’ve already collected furniture donations and are considering holding a fundraising event to raise additional funds.

    Team members, Alana Quinn and Rachael Robbins said:

    The selection of Animal Concern Cumbria was driven by the fact it’s a local charity, rehoming rescue animals that solely rely on donations.

    The charity offers a secure and caring environment for animals whose owners, for whatever reason, are unable to care for them any longer and help them find permanent, loving homes.

    Our aim though the APM challenge is to raise money to improve key facilities. We are enhancing the well-being of the animals in the charity’s care whilst also contributing to the long-term development and sustainability of the local area and the charity’s future.

    The second group has opted to support the North Lakes Foodbank’s Holiday Lunch Pack Scheme, providing essential food to children during holiday periods.

    The charity plays a crucial role in helping the most vulnerable individuals in West Cumbria, and they are now grappling with an overwhelming 100% increase in demand year on year.

    The team is conducting a food collection campaign across the Sellafield site, including contributions from supply chain partners.

    They have already received support from various departments across Sellafield, as well as from their sponsor and mentor, and have made substantial progress with their collection so far.

    Team member, Luke Beresford said:

    Our team visited the foodbank at the beginning of the year to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges the charity faces and figure out how we could help alleviate those burdens.

    The Sellafield apprenticeship scheme has provided us with invaluable hands-on experience in demanding environments. Through networking and collaboration on complex nuclear projects, we’ve gained diverse insights across Project Management, Construction, and more. This blend of practical and academic learning has significantly advanced our careers.

    By completing a project proposal and carrying out this fundraising initiative, we hope to further enhance our skills and knowledge in project management while also benefiting our community.

    And finally, the third group from Sellafield is focused on improving road safety awareness among primary school students and reducing road accidents in West Cumbria.

    The team is doing this by organising a drawing competition where students develop road safety signs and slogans. The winners’ proposals will be turned into real signs displayed locally and around school zones.

    Before the competition, the team will conduct workshops and arrange guest expert speakers to host assemblies, raising students’ awareness of road safety.

    This initiative fosters creativity, encourages safer behaviour on local roads, and strengthens the community’s sense of shared responsibility for safety.

    Team member, Kate Starkie, said:

    We focused our project on road safety after learning that 3,400 children under 7 were injured or killed on UK roads in 2022. This statistic drove us to reduce children’s confusion about road safety and encourage good habits for their future.

    The project is progressing well. We’ve engaged with a local primary school’s headteacher and received valuable advice from our mentor at Sellafield.

    This is an excellent opportunity to enhance our project management skills and make a meaningful impact on local communities.

    More information

    Cumbrian Charity rehoming from our Centre in Egremont – Animal Concern Cumbria – Rehoming and supporting animals in need

    Holiday LunchPacks | North Lakes Foodbank | Cumbria

    Updates to this page

    Published 13 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: SITI visits Hengqin and Zhuhai (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    SITI visits Hengqin and Zhuhai (with photos)
    SITI visits Hengqin and Zhuhai (with photos)
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         The Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, visited Hengqin and Zhuhai today (February 13). The Commissioner for Industry (Innovation and Technology), Dr Ge Ming, also joined the visit.     Professor Sun first visited the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin. His visit was aimed to speed up the implementation of the development planning of the Hong Kong Park of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone in accordance with the spirit of the important instructions given by the Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, Mr Xia Baolong, when he inspected the Hong Kong Park. Professor Sun had an engagement session with Deputy Secretary of the Hengqin Working Committee of the CPC Guangdong Provincial Committee, Director of the Hengqin Office of the People’s Government of Guangdong Province and Deputy Director of the Executive Committee, Mr Nie Xinping. During the session, Professor Sun learned about the in-depth planning and industry development of the Cooperation Zone, taking into account the development of the Hong Kong Park.     Professor Sun said, “Drawing on the experience of the Cooperation Zone, we have made it clearer of the special strategic positioning of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone as a demonstration zone for reform and innovation in the country. We should leverage the advantages of ‘two systems’, give full play to the uniqueness of the ‘Special Administrative Region within the Special Administrative Region’, seek institution and policy innovations, and break new ground, so as to expedite the realisation of the development objectives set out in the two five-year plans of the Hong Kong Park.”      The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government is now studying the proposals on specific measures to facilitate the cross-boundary flow of innovation elements including personnel, materials, capital and data in the Hetao Hong Kong Park. In this connection, Professor Sun visited the Zhuhai MUST Science and Technology Research Institute in the Cooperation Zone, which is an industry-academia-research demonstration base built by the Macau University of Science and Technology in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, to learn more about the institute’s work in promoting cross-boundary flow of data in the zone.     Professor Sun met with the Deputy Secretary of the Communist Party of China Zhuhai Municipal Committee and Acting Mayor of the Zhuhai Municipal Government, Mr Wu Zetong, and Vice Mayor of Zhuhai Mr Huang Zhenqiu, and introduced the HKSAR Government’s latest policies on leading the city’s innovation and technology (I&T) development and the current developments. Professor Sun also learned about Zhuhai’s achievements in I&T and high-tech industrialisation. Both sides exchanged views on promoting I&T collaboration and exchanges between the two places.     In the afternoon, Professor Sun visited the cell production workshops of the Zhuhai SoleFiori Technology Company and learned about the technologies and productivity of new high-efficiency heterojunction solar cells and modules with low energy consumption and low carbon emissions. Professor Sun welcomed the enterprise’s plan to expand its business in Hong Kong.      Professor Sun then visited the headquarters of Gree Electric Appliances Inc. of Zhuhai. He was briefed on the latest developments in quality assurance, product innovations and talent training of the technology-based household consumer goods and industrial equipment manufacturing group. He also visited the industrial products display zone at the Group’s technology exhibition hall, where he learned about the self-developed industrial robots, computer numerical control machine tools, and smart warehousing products and systems.     Professor Sun concluded his visit and returned to Hong Kong in the evening.

     
    Ends/Thursday, February 13, 2025Issued at HKT 19:52

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Speech by SCED at HKGCC Chinese New Year Dinner 2025 (English only)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Following is the speech by the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, at the HKGCC Chinese New Year Dinner 2025 today (February 13):
     
    Agnes (Chairman of the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce, Ms Agnes Chan), Commissioner Pan Yundong (Deputy Commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR)), Deputy Director-General Zhou Qiang (Deputy Director-General of the Economic Affairs Department and Head of the Commercial Office of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government (LOCPG) in the HKSAR), Deputy Director-General Xu Xiaolin (Deputy Director-General of the Coordination Department of the LOCPG in the HKSAR), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
     
         Good evening. It gives me great pleasure to join you all tonight. This festive occasion gives us a time to reflect on the past year and look forward with hope to the new one.
     
         In 2024, Hong Kong demonstrated to the world our resilience in times of uncertainties. Our city is ranked as the world’s third-largest financial centre, the world’s freest economy, and is at the fifth place in the global competitiveness ranking. We now have nearly 10 000 companies from the Mainland and overseas, as well as 4 700 start-ups. Both numbers are the highest that we have ever seen. These are signs of confidence in Hong Kong’s status as a prime business destination.
     
         But challenges will keep coming. In addition to conflicts in Europe and the Middle East, we also need to brace the rapid changes in the operating environment. The United States (US)’ imposition of tariffs will affect many economies and companies. On this, the HKSAR Government strongly disapproves. It rattles the fundamentals of a rule-based multilateral trade system, which took the whole world decades to build. As far as the tariffs on Hong Kong are concerned, we have decided to file a complaint to the World Trade Organization. We have always been a staunch supporter of free trade, and we will continue to hold tight to our beliefs.
     
         Risk management is key to a successful business. I am sure many of you saw the uncertainties coming from years ago. I was told that a lot of companies have already modified their business plans, the supply chains, asset distributions, etc, in anticipation of the changing external environment. I encourage you to continue to do the same.
     
         For Hong Kong, this term of Government attaches a lot of importance to exploring new markets. The US and Europe are traditionally among our largest trading partners, and they will probably continue to be so. We are happy with the businesses that we do with each other, which are mutually beneficial. But more importantly, we must not lose sight of the business potential in other markets. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), for example, if taken as a bloc, is now Hong Kong’s second-largest trading partners. Other emerging regions, such as the Middle East, are also catching up fast.
     
         In the past two years or so, we have led business delegations to ASEAN and the Middle East. We will continue to do so in the coming year. We will also step up our efforts to forge new trade and investment agreements with rising trading partners. Increasing our trade and investment with new markets will inject new impetus into Hong Kong’s economy. It will also help us mitigate the risks arising from geopolitics.
     
         Looking closer to home, we spare no efforts to drive changes to our economic structure. The Government sees the need to develop silver economy. The growing elderly population in Hong Kong is becoming an important consumer group, creating considerable demand for such products and services as medical and healthcare, leisure and recreation, and home and personal care catered for the elderly. These products and services also enhance the quality of life for the elderly of Hong Kong, which is equally important for us.
     
         We also encourage Hong Kong companies to embrace electronic commerce (e-commerce). This is a global trend in consumption pattern that is irreversible. To help our small and medium enterprises to upgrade their business models, we launched the “E-commerce Easy” under the Dedicated Fund on Branding, Upgrading and Domestic Sales last year to provide funding support. The Hong Kong Trade Development Council, the HKTDC, also organised the first Hong Kong Shopping Festival to showcase consumer products and brands on Mainland e-commerce platforms. The Festival was a huge success. We will organise the second edition this year. The HKTDC will also step up efforts in providing advisory support to enterprises in need when exploring the e-commerce market.
     
         I spent all my life in Hong Kong. In my entire career, I witnessed Hong Kong going through ups and downs. The world today is so different than the world I was in when I was in my twenties. One of Hong Kong’s biggest appeal is the “can-do” spirit of Hong Kong people. We are flexible, adaptive, determined, forward-looking, and we fight hard. We will rise above the challenges and come out on top.
     
         I would like to thank the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce for all the good you do to our business community. As we enter the Year of the Snake, let us draw inspiration from its attributes of versatility, intelligence and agility, and work together to build a better future for Hong Kong. I wish you all a year with good health, success and happiness. Thank you.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: SFST leads delegation to Qianhai in Shenzhen for second meeting of Shenzhen-Hong Kong Financial Co-operation Committee (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    SFST leads delegation to Qianhai in Shenzhen for second meeting of Shenzhen-Hong Kong Financial Co-operation Committee (with photos)
    SFST leads delegation to Qianhai in Shenzhen for second meeting of Shenzhen-Hong Kong Financial Co-operation Committee (with photos)
    ******************************************************************************************

         The Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, led a delegation to attend the second meeting of the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Financial Co-operation Committee (Committee) in Qianhai, Shenzhen, today (February 13). The meeting echoed the aspirations expressed by the Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, Mr Xia Baolong, during the discussion session he hosted on Sunday (February 9) for more reciprocal co-operation and collaborative development within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA).      The meeting was co-chaired by Mr Hui and the Vice-Mayor of the Shenzhen Municipal People’s Government and Director General of the Office of the Financial Affairs Committee of the CPC Shenzhen Municipal Committee, Mr Luo Huanghao.  The Committee discussed the latest developments of the financial markets and financial co-operation initiatives of Shenzhen and Hong Kong. It also explored suggestions on further enhancing the development of a collaborative market.      On collaborations in terms of financial professional services and talent, Mr Hui announced a list of Hong Kong accounting firms capable of supporting Mainland enterprises in “going global”, and expressed his hope that Hong Kong’s high-quality and international professional services could facilitate the high-level opening of the country’s financial markets. The Committee also arranged an experience-sharing session by two Hong Kong students who participated in the GBA Fintech Two-way Internship Scheme for Post-secondary Students to encourage the industry to provide more opportunities for young people from Shenzhen and Hong Kong to foster talent exchanges in the financial realm.      Mr Hui said that Hong Kong and Shenzhen were both core cities and key engines for driving the development of the GBA. It is anticipated that Hong Kong will continue its close collaboration with Shenzhen for co-ordinated development. As Mr Hui said at the discussion session hosted by Director Xia, the further strengthening of co-operation between Hong Kong and the GBA in the areas of financial markets and services would better reinforce national development strategies, thereby contributing to the nation’s development into a financial powerhouse and creating more development opportunities for Hong Kong and the GBA.      Mr Luo said, “The Shenzhen-Hong Kong Financial Co-operation Committee is an important platform for implementing the ‘one country, two systems’ principle and reinforcing Hong Kong’s status as an international financial centre.  Moving forward, favourable policies and connectivity of the financial infrastructure will act as key pillars and help provide breakthroughs for the continuous enhancement to the connectivity of Shenzhen-Hong Kong financial infrastructure.  We will work in co-ordination with Hong Kong in providing financial services for enterprises to “go global”, supporting the efficient flow of capital, credit and data across the boundary.”      Established in June 2024, the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Financial Co-operation Committee brings together official members from the Central Authorities, Shenzhen and Hong Kong, as well as industry leaders in both places as non-official members to provide insights on Shenzhen-Hong Kong financial co-operation and the development of the GBA’s financial infrastructure. The first meeting was held in mid-June last year in Hong Kong.

     
    Ends/Thursday, February 13, 2025Issued at HKT 18:38

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PARLIAMENT QUESTION: WEATHER AND CLIMATE SERVICES

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 13 FEB 2025 3:56PM by PIB Delhi

    The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has been actively working for the development and implementation of a national framework for climate services (NFCS) to strengthen climate change adaptation by integrating weather and climate services with sectoral policies and programs. The NFCS aims to support decision-making in critical sectors such as agriculture, water resources, health, and disaster management. Some examples of the sector-specific weather and climate services are:

    • Establishment of Agromet Advisory Services (AAS) for farmers.
    • Collaboration with the Central Water Commission (CWC) for flood and drought forecasting.
    • Climate-sensitive health risk mapping and early warnings for vector-borne diseases.
    • Strengthening climate resilience through the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and State Disaster Management Plans.
    • Establishing a climate data portal for researchers and stakeholders.
    • Organizing stakeholder consultation workshops with State Governments to identify the gap areas and possible solutions.

    In October 2023, Climate Research & Services (CRS), IMD, Pune, organized a stakeholder consultation workshop on the NFCS-India at Pune. In collaboration with key ministries, the IMD continues to expand sector-specific climate services to ensure a science-based, policy-driven, and impact-oriented approach to climate resilience.

    The Ministry continuously enhances and upgrades meteorological observations, communications, modeling tools, and forecasting systems. The IMD uses the latest tools and technologies to predict severe weather events. This includes sophisticated dynamical numerical weather prediction models at higher spatial and temporal resolution, multi-model ensemble methods, artificial intelligence, and machine learning (AI/ML) & data science methodologies, complemented with improved ground-based & upper air observations and advanced remote sensing network for real-time monitoring and predictions. IMD uses the latest dissemination tools, including Common Alert Protocol (CAP), mobile apps, websites, APIs, and other social media platforms, to provide efficient, effective, and timely early warning services. IMD is constantly working to improve and adapt to the latest technologies.   

    The Ministry is making continuous efforts to make advancements in cyclone prediction systems to minimize the impact of cyclones in the country. The India Meteorological Department has demonstrated its capability to provide high-precision early warning for cyclones in recent years. The IMD provides heatwave forecasts and warning information to stakeholders, including ministries of the Union Government, State Governments, and local Government bodies. The IMD issues various outlooks/forecasts/warnings for the public and disaster management authorities to prepare for extreme weather events, including cyclones, heat waves, etc. While issuing the alert, a suitable color code is used to highlight the impact of the severe weather expected and signal disaster management about the course of action to be taken regarding an impending disaster weather event.

    The Government of India recognizes that weather and climate extremes disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, including the poor, women, children, and marginalized communities. Multiple initiatives focusing on adaptation, resilience-building, social protection, and inclusive policies have been implemented to address these challenges. Some of the work related to the Ministry of Earth Sciences in collaboration with other ministries are:

    • Impact-Based Forecasting (IBF) provides localized risk assessments for vulnerable populations before extreme events like cyclones, floods, and heatwaves.
    • Heat Action Plans (HAPs) are implemented in various cities to protect vulnerable groups such as daily wage workers, older people, and slum dwellers.
    • Training and capacity-building programs for women, children, and marginalized groups through local NGOs and government agencies
    • Disaster management authority programs include strengthening climate-resilient housing and infrastructure in coastal, flood-prone, and drought-affected areas.

    Apart from this, initiatives from the other ministries of the Government of India include:

    • Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) provides employment in climate-resilient infrastructure, such as water conservation, afforestation, and drought-proofing.
    • National Adaptation Fund for Climate Change (NAFCC) funds projects that enhance the adaptive capacity of rural and vulnerable communities in agriculture, water, and disaster-prone areas.
    • National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) and State Action Plans on Climate Change (SAPCCs) incorporate gender and social inclusion measures.
    • Jal Shakti Abhiyan & Atal Bhujal Yojana focus on water conservation, groundwater recharge, and access to clean drinking water in drought-prone regions.
    • Public Distribution System (PDS) Strengthening ensures food security for low-income communities during climate shocks such as droughts and floods.

    This information was given by Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr. Jitendra Singh in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PARLIAMENT QUESTION: DEEP OCEAN MISSION

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 13 FEB 2025 3:53PM by PIB Delhi

    The Ministry of Earth Sciences, through the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), Chennai, is developing a manned submersible ‘Matsya 6000’, which aims to carry three people to a depth of 6000 meters in the ocean with a suite of scientific sensors for ocean exploration and observation. The manned submersible Matsya 6000 is likely to be realised by 2026.

    The technologies developed under the Deep Ocean Mission will expand the country’s capability for deep-sea man-rated vehicle development and pave the way for sustainable deep-sea exploration and harnessing of deep-sea living and non-living resources. The deep-sea exploration includes biodiversity, survey and mineral resources. Apart from the benefits of scientific research and technological empowerment, this mission has immediate spin-offs in underwater engineering innovations, asset inspection and the promotion of ocean literacy.

    Under the Deep Ocean Mission, a manned submersible Matsya 6000 is being developed to house a 2.1-metre internal diameter Titanium alloy personnel sphere for safely carrying humans to a 6000 m depth. The Titanium alloy personnel sphere is being integrated in collaboration with ISRO.  The manned submersible is to be equipped with subsystems for buoyancy management enabling descent/ascent, power, and control systems, maneuvring propellers, subsea intervention manipulators, navigation and positioning devices, data and voice communication systems, on-board energy storage batteries, as well as systems for emergency support. It is designed to enable continuous operations at 6000 m depth for up to 12 hours with an emergency endurance of up to 96 hours for conducting deep water observation and exploration. Human Support and Safety System, which is a critical need for three humans, has been realized for the acclimatization and usage during routine and emergency scenarios. The deep-sea activities, exploration of deep-sea living and non-living resources, are being undertaken in accordance with the guidelines of UN governing bodies. The development of ocean climate change advisory services relies on robust data acquisition and analysis for deriving projections of sea level change, intensity of cyclone, storm surge, and waves and their impacts on associated coastal erosion and inundation in the projected climate. The acquisition of a multidisciplinary research vessel is in progress. Expansion of capacity building in marine biology in the country is also being prioritized by setting up a dedicated Advanced Marine Station for Ocean Biology (AMSOB).

    This information was given by Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr. Jitendra Singh in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Sampoorna Bima Gram Yojana

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 13 FEB 2025 5:24PM by PIB Delhi

    Bima Gram Yojana is an initiative of Department of Posts to provide life insurance to the people living in rural areas. Under Bima Gram Yojana, a minimum of 100 households in each of the identified villages are to be brought under the coverage of at least one Rural Postal Life Insurance (RPLI) policy in each household.  The premium paying capacity of a person is one of the critical elements in implementation of the initiative. Bima Gram Yojana is a continuous process. Further, 46739 villages have been covered under Bima Gram Yojana so far.

    Various steps have been taken by the Government to create awareness among rural population about the advantages of taking Postal Life Insurance (PLI) and Rural Postal Life Insurance (RPLI) policy. Promotion and publicity of PLI and RPLI is done by way of advertisement through social media campaigns, radio jingles, outdoor publicity and organisation of awareness camps and melas throughout the country.

    This information was given by the Minister of State for Communications and Rural Development, Dr. Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PARLIAMENT QUESTION: Earthquake preparedness

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 13 FEB 2025 3:50PM by PIB Delhi

    Current Status of Earthquake preparedness and Early Warning Systems in Earthquake Prone regions of the Country:

    India has a well-defined National Seismological Network, expanded in the length and breadth of the country, that monitors seismic activity 24×7 around the corner in real-time mode and disseminates earthquake-related parameters and reports  to various stakeholders and the public nationwide promptly through Bhukamp App and other unified Dissemination System (e.g. website; social media / whatsapp; twitter; telephone, Fax).

    National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has undertaken the Earthquake Disaster Risk Indexing (EDRI) project to systematically address the challenges of rapid urbanization and ensuring earthquake resilience in growing cities and assess earthquake risk across Indian cities. The results of the EDRI and risk assessment have far-reaching implications, particularly in cities experiencing rapid urbanization. By integrating the risk index into urban planning frameworks, cities can adopt risk-informed decision-making, ensuring safer infrastructure development and community resilience. This initiative underscores NDMA’s commitment to developing for proactive disaster risk reduction in urban India.

    To address the community-based preparedness and raise awareness in earthquake- prone regions, NDMA runs TV and radio campaigns focused on earthquake preparedness, highlighting critical do’s and don’ts during seismic events. Special programs like ‘Aapda ka Samna’, aired on Doordarshan, feature expert discussions on prevention and mitigation strategies, equipping the public with actionable knowledge to safeguard lives and property.

    Additionally, The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has developed a seismic zoning map of India to update stakeholders regarding earthquake precautionary measures.

    Status of earthquake early warning systems:

    Research efforts have started in India for developing an Earthquake Early Warning (EEW) System for Himalayan region, but these are still at a nascent stage. The National Centre for Seismology (NCS), Ministry of Earth Sciences has concerted efforts to develop an Earthquake Early Warning (EEW) System for the Himalayan region under its pilot project. However, National Centre for Seismology (NCS) under Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) is capable of recording any earthquake of M:2.5 and above in and around Delhi, M:3.0 and above for NE region, M:3.5 and above in Peninsular and extra-peninsular region, M:4.0 and above in Andaman region, and M:4.5 and above in border regions lying between 0 – 40 degree; N: 60 – 100 degree East. The details of the earthquakes reported by NCS are available in public domain through social media and on the website of NCS (seismo.gov.in).

    National Centre for Seismology (NCS), Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) monitors the earthquake activity in and around the country on 24×7 basis and this information is disseminated after the occurrence of the earthquake to all nodal state and central disaster management authorities in the least possible time. For this purpose, NCS maintains the National Seismological Network (NSN) comprising of 166 permanent seismological observatories spread across the country. The details of the earthquakes reported by NCS and the observatories of NSN are available in public domain through social media and on the website of NCS (seismo.gov.in).

    Additionally, probabilistic seismic hazard maps by BIS and Seismic Microzonation of strategic cities falling in the seismic Hazard Zone III, IV, and V by NCS-MoES and with its technical partner institutes a step towards earthquake risk mitigation of the country.

    The status of infrastructure resilience in earthquake-prone regions of India varies from “Poor to Moderate”, with significant concerns regarding non-compliance with building codes that were constructed earlier.

    Infrastructure resilience in earthquake-prone regions is a key aspect of risk management. Multiple organizations are already working in this regard. As also explained above, NDMA has undertaken the Earthquake Disaster Risk Indexing (EDRI) project to address the challenges of rapid urbanization and ensure earthquake resilience in growing cities. Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has published criterion for constructing of earthquake resilient structures. The design of structure should be such that the whole structure behaves as one unit at the time of vibration rather than assemblage of parts. However, it is not economical to demolish and reconstruct most of the poorly built structures; for such poorly built structures BIS has prepared guidelines for their retrofitting. Also, HUDCO & BMTPC have published guidelines and brochures for construction and retrofitting of buildings. Based on these guidelines, critical facilities like hospitals, schools and bridges may be typically reinforced to withstand seismic forces, ensuring they remain operational during an emergency.

    NDMA, has developed guidelines and formulates programs targeting earthquake risk mitigation to mitigate losses in a systematic and coordinated manner.

    These initiatives are:

    1. Home Owner’s Guide for Earthquake & Cyclone Safety (2019): The guide will make homeowners aware of various considerations and minimum requirements, which need to be taken care of while constructing and buying a house.
    2. Simplified Guidelines for Earthquake Safety (2021): It provides details based on the National Building Code of India 2016 (released by the Bureau of Indian Standards, Government of India) to those who are constructing a house and who are buying a flat in multi-storey buildings, which are made of either masonry or reinforced concrete (RC). This Guide focuses to address this aspiration of potential homeowners, and provides the basic information that they should have when constructing individual houses or buying flats in multi-storey buildings.

    The National Centre for Seismology (NCS), Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES)  conducts Seismic Microzonation of cities in India to generate integrated seismological, geological, and geotechnical parameters for earthquake risk resilient structures/infrastructures and buildings.

    This information was given by Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr. Jitendra Singh in a reply in the Rajya Sabha today.

    ***

    NKR/PSM

    (RS US Q NO. 92)

    (Release ID: 2102739) Visitor Counter : 17

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Government posts land resumption notices for road improvement works at Hoi Sha Path in Cheung Sha, Lantau Island

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The Lands Department today (February 13) posted land resumption notices in accordance with section 14 of the Roads (Works, Use and Compensation) Ordinance (Chapter 370) for the implementation of road improvement works at Hoi Sha Path in Cheung Sha, Lantau Island.
          
         Two private lots with a total area of about 120 square metres will be resumed by the Government. The land will revert to the Government upon the expiry of a period of three months from the date of affixing the notices (i.e. May 14, 2025).
          
         The Government will maintain close liaison with the relevant land owners and affected parties, and properly handle their compensation matters.
          
         The aforementioned works aim to cater for the anticipated increase in traffic and pedestrian flow arising from a proposed residential development in the area.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Mahakumbh 2025: Millions of Devotees take the Holy Dip at Triveni Sangam during the Fourth Amrit Snan on Magh Purnima

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 13 FEB 2025 7:34AM by PIB Delhi

    The largest religious and cultural event in the world, the Mahakumbh 2025, saw the successful completion of the fourth Amrit Snan on the auspicious occasion of Magh Purnima today. Millions of devotees took the Holy Dip at the sacred Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj.

    Alongside Indians, a significant number of foreign devotees also participated in the Amrit Snan. According to data released by the State Government, by 6 PM on Magh Purnima a total of 1.90 crore devotees had taken the holy dip.

    According to the Hindu calendar, the bath on this auspicious day holds special significance, which is why long queues formed at the Sangam from the night. The period for the sacred bath on Magh Purnima began at 6:55 PM on 11th February and ended at 7:22 PM on 12th February.

    The Mahakumbh Mela administration had made extensive arrangements across the Mela grounds to ensure that no devotee faced any inconvenience. Additionally, devotees were continuously urged not to spend too much time at the ghats after taking the dip, to quickly proceed to their destinations. These efforts made the Magh Purnima Snan a highly organized and smooth event.

    To help manage such a massive influx of devotees and ensure their safe return after the sacred bath, large Variable Messaging Displays (VMDs) were set up across the Mela area from Tuesday night, providing essential instructions and messages for their convenience.

    On Magh Purnima, the Kalpavasis took their final dip in the Triveni during Brahma Muhurat and then returned to their camps. After performing their rituals, over 10 lakh Kalpvasis bid farewell to the Mahakumbh and began their journey home. Special arrangements were made by the Mahakumbh administration to ensure the safe return of Kalpvasis, which were effectively executed.

    The success of the Magh Purnima Snan festival was made possible through the combined efforts of the Mahakumbh Mela administration, local authorities, police, sanitation workers, volunteer organizations, boatmen, and various departments of the central and state governments, who worked tirelessly to ensure that this historic event was safe and well-organized.

    *****

    AD/VM

    (Release ID: 2102556) Visitor Counter : 5

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI: Brookfield Corporation Reports Record 2024 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Distributable Earnings Before Realizations Increased 15% to a Record $4.9 billion or $3.07 Per Share

    Quarterly Dividend Raised by 13%

    BROOKFIELD, NEWS, Feb. 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Brookfield Corporation (NYSE: BN, TSX: BN) announced record financial results for the year ended December 31, 2024.

    Nick Goodman, President of Brookfield Corporation, said, “We delivered record financial results in 2024, with strong contributions from each of our businesses. Our asset management business had inflows of over $135 billion, our wealth solutions business is now firmly established as a top-tier annuity writer in the U.S., and our operating businesses continue to generate high-quality and stable cash flows.”

    He continued, “We expect the positive momentum in each of our businesses to continue this year. Our access to scale capital remains very strong and with transaction activity expected to pick up throughout 2025, we are well positioned to continue to generate strong growth in our cash flows and intrinsic value.”

    Operating Results

    Distributable earnings (“DE”) before realizations increased by 24% and 15% on a per share basis compared to the prior year periods.

    Unaudited
    For the periods ended December 31
    (US$ millions, except per share amounts)    		 Three Months Ended   Years Ended
      2024     2023     2024     2023
    Net income of consolidated business1 $ 101   $ 3,134   $ 1,853   $ 5,105
    Net income attributable to Brookfield shareholders2   432     699     641     1,130
                   
    Distributable earnings before realizations2,3   1,498     1,209     4,871     4,223
    – Per Brookfield share2,3   0.94     0.76     3.07     2.66
                   
    Distributable earnings2,3   1,606     1,312     6,274     4,806
    – Per Brookfield share2,3   1.01     0.83     3.96     3.03

    See endnotes on page 8.

    Total consolidated net income was $101 million in the quarter and $1.9 billion for the year. Distributable earnings before realizations were a record $1.5 billion ($0.94/share) for the quarter and $4.9 billion ($3.07/share) for the year.

    Our asset management business generated a 17% increase in fee-related earnings compared to the prior year quarter, benefiting from strong fundraising momentum and the scaling of its credit platform through strategic partnerships.

    Wealth solutions earnings nearly doubled compared to the prior year, on the back of the acquisition of American Equity Life (“AEL”), organic growth and the attractive returns on our investment portfolio.

    Our operating businesses continue to deliver stable and growing cash flows, underpinned by the strong earnings of our renewable power and transition, infrastructure and private equity businesses and 4% growth in same-store net operating income (“NOI”) from our core real estate portfolio.

    During the quarter and for the year, earnings from realizations were $108 million and $1.4 billion, with total DE for the quarter and for the year of $1.6 billion ($1.01/share) and $6.3 billion ($3.96/share), respectively.

    Regular Dividend Declaration

    The Board declared a 13% increase in the quarterly dividend for Brookfield Corporation to $0.09 per share (representing $0.36 per annum), payable on March 31, 2025 to shareholders of record as at the close of business on March 14, 2025. The Board also declared the regular monthly and quarterly dividends on our preferred shares.

    Operating Highlights

    Distributable earnings before realizations were a record $1.5 billion ($0.94/share) for the quarter and $4.9 billion ($3.07/share) for the year, representing an increase of 24% and 15% on a per share basis over the prior year periods, respectively. Total distributable earnings were $1.6 billion ($1.01/share) for the quarter and $6.3 billion ($3.96/share) for the year.

    Asset Management:

    • DE was $694 million ($0.44/share) in the quarter and $2.6 billion ($1.67/share) for the year.
    • Fee-related earnings grew by 17% compared to the prior year quarter, driven by an 18% increase in fee-bearing capital over the prior year to $539 billion as at December 31, 2024. Total inflows were over $135 billion in 2024.
    • Our latest round of flagship funds have raised approximately $40 billion across our second global transition fund strategy, our fifth opportunistic real estate fund strategy, and our flagship opportunistic credit fund strategy. Heading into 2025, we expect to hold final closes for our latest flagship funds and continue to actively deploy capital, which should contribute to strong earnings growth.

    Wealth Solutions:

    • Distributable operating earnings were $421 million ($0.26/share) in the quarter and $1.4 billion ($0.85/share) for the year.
    • Insurance assets increased to over $120 billion, as we originated approximately $19 billion of retail and institutional annuity sales in 2024. We continue to diversify the business by growing our pension risk transfer capabilities and expanding into new markets. An example of this is the completion of our first reinsurance transaction in the U.K., at $1.3 billion which closed in the fourth quarter.
    • The average investment portfolio yield was 5.4%, 1.8% higher than the average cost of capital. As we continue to rotate the investment portfolio, annualized earnings for the business are well positioned to grow from approximately $1.6 billion today to $2 billion in the near term.
    • We are raising close to $2 billion of retail capital per month via our combined wealth solutions platforms.

    Operating Businesses:

    • DE was $562 million ($0.35/share) in the quarter and $1.6 billion ($1.03/share) for the year.
    • Operating Funds from Operations in our renewable power, transition and infrastructure businesses increased by 10% over the prior year. Our private equity business continues to contribute resilient, high-quality cash flows. Our core real estate portfolio continues to grow its same-store NOI, delivering a 4% increase over the prior year quarter.
    • In our real estate business, we signed close to 27 million square feet of office and retail leases during the year. Rents on the newly signed leases were approximately 35% higher compared to those leases expiring in the fourth quarter. Also during the fourth quarter, our DE benefited from monetizing a land parcel within our North American residential operations.
    • As real estate markets continue to recover in the coming years, we expect earnings and valuations of the business to strengthen.

    Earnings from the monetization of mature assets were $108 million ($0.07/share) for the quarter and $1.4 billion ($0.89/share) for the year.

    • During the year, we closed nearly $40 billion of asset sales at strong returns, which include a portfolio of U.S. manufactured housing assets and several renewable power and infrastructure assets globally. With the pick-up in transaction activity, we expect this momentum to accelerate into 2025.
    • Total accumulated unrealized carried interest was $11.5 billion at year end, representing an increase of 13% over the prior year, net of carried interest realized into income. We recognized approximately $400 million of net realized carried interest into income in 2024, and we expect to realize significant carried interest as we actively monetize assets in the coming years.

    We ended the quarter with a record $160 billion of capital available to deploy into new investments.

    • We have record deployable capital of approximately $160 billion, which includes $68 billion of cash, financial assets and undrawn credit lines at the Corporation, our affiliates and our wealth solutions business.
    • Our balance sheet is robust and remains conservatively capitalized. Our corporate debt at the Corporation has a weighted-average term of 14 years and today we have no maturities through to the end of 2025.
    • Over the year, we returned $1.5 billion to shareholders through regular dividends and share repurchases, with total share buybacks of approximately $1 billion. In 2025 so far, we have repurchased over $200 million of shares.
    • We had an active year in the capital markets. We executed approximately $135 billion of financings, including issuing $700 million of 30-year subordinated notes and a $1 billion, 7-year non-recourse loan to a large institutional partner of ours, the proceeds of which will mainly be directed towards share repurchases.

    CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

    Unaudited
    (US$ millions)    		   December 31   December 31
        2024     2023
    Assets        
    Cash and cash equivalents   $ 15,051   $ 11,222
    Other financial assets     25,887     28,324
    Accounts receivable and other     40,509     31,001
    Inventory     8,458     11,412
    Equity accounted investments     68,310     59,124
    Investment properties     103,665     124,152
    Property, plant and equipment     153,019     147,617
    Intangible assets     36,072     38,994
    Goodwill     35,730     34,911
    Deferred income tax assets     3,723     3,338
    Total Assets   $ 490,424   $ 490,095
             
    Liabilities and Equity        
    Corporate borrowings   $ 14,232   $ 12,160
    Accounts payable and other     60,223     59,011
    Non-recourse borrowings     220,560     221,550
    Subsidiary equity obligations     4,759     4,145
    Deferred income tax liabilities     25,267     24,987
             
    Equity        
    Non-controlling interests in net assets $ 119,406   $ 122,465  
    Preferred equity   4,103     4,103  
    Common equity   41,874   165,383   41,674   168,242
    Total Equity     165,383     168,242
    Total Liabilities and Equity   $ 490,424   $ 490,095


    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

    Unaudited
    For the periods ended December 31
    (US$ millions, except per share amounts)    		 Three Months Ended   Years Ended
      2024       2023       2024       2023  
    Revenues $ 19,426     $ 24,518     $ 86,006     $ 95,924  
    Direct costs1   (11,977 )     (18,168 )     (58,199 )     (72,334 )
    Other income and gains   52       4,256       1,247       6,501  
    Equity accounted income   1,034       429       2,729       2,068  
    Interest expense              
    – Corporate borrowings   (183 )     (142 )     (727 )     (596 )
    – Non-recourse borrowings              
    Same-store   (3,474 )     (3,903 )     (14,889 )     (14,907 )
    Acquisitions, net of dispositions2   (136 )     —       (319 )     —  
    Upfinancings2   (186 )     —       (680 )     —  
    Corporate costs   (20 )     (16 )     (76 )     (69 )
    Fair value changes   (1,759 )     (1,326 )     (2,520 )     (1,396 )
    Depreciation and amortization   (2,417 )     (2,427 )     (9,737 )     (9,075 )
    Income tax   (259 )     (87 )     (982 )     (1,011 )
    Net income   101       3,134       1,853       5,105  
    Loss (income) attributable to non-controlling interests   331       (2,435 )     (1,212 )     (3,975 )
    Net income attributable to Brookfield shareholders $ 432     $ 699     $ 641     $ 1,130  
                   
    Net income per share              
    Diluted $ 0.25     $ 0.42     $ 0.31     $ 0.61  
    Basic   0.26       0.43       0.31       0.62  

    1. Direct costs disclosed above exclude depreciation and amortization expense.
    2. Interest expense from acquisitions, net of dispositions, and upfinancings completed for the year ended December 31, 2024.

    SUMMARIZED FINANCIAL RESULTS

    DISTRIBUTABLE EARNINGS

    Unaudited
    For the periods ended December 31
    (US$ millions)    		 Three Months Ended   Years Ended
      2024       2023       2024       2023  
    Asset management $ 694     $ 649     $ 2,645     $ 2,554  
                   
    Wealth solutions   421       253       1,350       740  
                   
    BEP   107       102       428       417  
    BIP   84       79       336       319  
    BBU   8       9       35       36  
    BPG   351       218       855       733  
    Other   12       (8 )     (28 )     (43 )
    Operating businesses   562       400       1,626       1,462  
                   
    Corporate costs and other   (179 )     (93 )     (750 )     (533 )
    Distributable earnings before realizations1   1,498       1,209       4,871       4,223  
    Realized carried interest, net   108       100       403       570  
    Disposition gains from principal investments   —       3       1,000       13  
    Distributable earnings1 $ 1,606     $ 1,312     $ 6,274     $ 4,806  

    1. Non-IFRS measure – see Non-IFRS and Performance Measures section on page 8.

    RECONCILIATION OF NET INCOME TO DISTRIBUTABLE EARNINGS

    Unaudited
    For the periods ended December 31
    (US$ millions)    		 Three Months Ended   Years Ended
      2024       2023       2024       2023  
    Net income $ 101     $ 3,134     $ 1,853     $ 5,105  
    Financial statement components not included in DE:              
    Equity accounted fair value changes and other items   448       1,097       2,679       2,902  
    Fair value changes and other   1,685       1,549       2,652       1,952  
    Depreciation and amortization   2,417       2,427       9,737       9,075  
    Disposition gains in net income   (659 )     (4,424 )     (1,234 )     (6,080 )
    Deferred income taxes   82       (416 )     (341 )     (897 )
    Non-controlling interests in the above items1   (2,560 )     (2,064 )     (10,570 )     (7,941 )
    Less: realized carried interest, net   (108 )     (100 )     (403 )     (570 )
    Working capital, net   92       6       498       677  
    Distributable earnings before realizations2   1,498       1,209       4,871       4,223  
    Realized carried interest, net3   108       100       403       570  
    Disposition gains from principal investments   —       3       1,000       13  
    Distributable earnings2 $ 1,606     $ 1,312     $ 6,274     $ 4,806  

    1. Amounts attributable to non-controlling interests are calculated based on the economic ownership interests held by non-controlling interests in consolidated subsidiaries. By adjusting DE attributable to non-controlling interests, we are able to remove the portion of DE earned at non-wholly owned subsidiaries that is not attributable to Brookfield.
    2. Non-IFRS measure – see Non-IFRS and Performance Measures section on page 8.
    3. Includes our share of Oaktree’s distributable earnings attributable to realized carried interest.

    EARNINGS PER SHARE

    Unaudited
    For the periods ended December 31
    (millions, except per share amounts)    		 Three Months Ended   Years Ended
      2024       2023       2024       2023  
    Net income $ 101     $ 3,134     $ 1,853     $ 5,105  
    Non-controlling interests   331       (2,435 )     (1,212 )     (3,975 )
    Net income attributable to shareholders   432       699       641       1,130  
    Preferred share dividends1   (41 )     (43 )     (168 )     (166 )
    Net income available to common shareholders   391       656       473       964  
    Dilutive impact of exchangeable shares of affiliate   3       3       12       5  
    Net income available to common shareholders including dilutive impact of exchangeable shares $ 394     $ 659     $ 485     $ 969  
                   
    Weighted average shares   1,508.3       1,540.1       1,511.5       1,558.5  
    Dilutive effect of conversion of options and escrowed shares using treasury stock method2 and exchangeable shares of affiliate   81.1       40.8       73.1       29.7  
    Shares and share equivalents   1,589.4       1,580.9       1,584.6       1,588.2  
                   
    Diluted earnings per share3 $ 0.25     $ 0.42     $ 0.31     $ 0.61  

    1. Excludes dividends paid on perpetual subordinated notes of $2 million (2023 – $2 million) and $10 million (2023 – $10 million) for the three months and year ended December 31, 2024, which are recognized within net income.
    2. Includes management share option plan and escrowed stock plan.
    3. Per share amounts are inclusive of dilutive effect of mandatorily redeemable preferred shares held in a consolidated subsidiary.

    Additional Information

    The Letter to Shareholders and the company’s Supplemental Information for the three months and year ended December 31, 2024, contain further information on the company’s strategy, operations and financial results. Shareholders are encouraged to read these documents, which are available on the company’s website.

    The statements contained herein are based primarily on information that has been extracted from our financial statements for the periods ended December 31, 2024, which have been prepared using IFRS, as issued by the IASB. The amounts have not been audited by Brookfield Corporation’s external auditor.

    Brookfield Corporation’s Board of Directors has reviewed and approved this document, including the summarized unaudited consolidated financial statements prior to its release.

    Information on our dividends can be found on our website under Stock & Distributions/Distribution History.

    Quarterly Earnings Call Details

    Investors, analysts and other interested parties can access Brookfield Corporation’s 2024 Fourth Quarter Results as well as the Shareholders’ Letter and Supplemental Information on Brookfield Corporation’s website under the Reports & Filings section at www.bn.brookfield.com.

    To participate in the Conference Call today at 10:00 a.m. ET, please pre-register at https://register.vevent.com/register/BIf7f2f2b5bdd84f708b0fc3cd0fd714dd. Upon registering, you will be emailed a dial-in number, and unique PIN. The Conference Call will also be webcast live at https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/5vbgiehc. For those unable to participate in the Conference Call, the telephone replay will be archived and available until February 13, 2026. To access this rebroadcast, please visit: https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/5vbgiehc. 

    About Brookfield Corporation

    Brookfield Corporation is a leading global investment firm focused on building long-term wealth for institutions and individuals around the world. We have three core businesses: Alternative Asset Management, Wealth Solutions, and our Operating Businesses which are in renewable power, infrastructure, business and industrial services, and real estate.

    We have a track record of delivering 15%+ annualized returns to shareholders for over 30 years, supported by our unrivaled investment and operational experience. Our conservatively managed balance sheet, extensive operational experience, and global sourcing networks allow us to consistently access unique opportunities. At the center of our success is the Brookfield Ecosystem, which is based on the fundamental principle that each group within Brookfield benefits from being part of the broader organization. Brookfield Corporation is publicly traded in New York and Toronto (NYSE: BN, TSX: BN).

    Please note that Brookfield Corporation’s previous audited annual and unaudited quarterly reports have been filed on EDGAR and SEDAR+ and can also be found in the investor section of its website at www.brookfield.com. Hard copies of the annual and quarterly reports can be obtained free of charge upon request.

    For more information, please visit our website at www.bn.brookfield.com or contact:

    Media:
    Kerrie McHugh
    Tel: (212) 618-3469
    Email: kerrie.mchugh@brookfield.com    		   Investor Relations:
    Angela Yulo
    Tel: (416) 943-7955
    Email: angela.yulo@brookfield.com
         

    Non-IFRS and Performance Measures

    This news release and accompanying financial information are based on International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”), as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”), unless otherwise noted.

    We make reference to Distributable Earnings (“DE”). We define DE as the sum of distributable earnings from our asset management business, distributable operating earnings from our wealth solutions business, distributions received from our ownership of investments, realized carried interest and disposition gains from principal investments, net of earnings from our Corporate Activities, preferred share dividends and equity-based compensation costs. We also make reference to DE before realizations, which refers to DE before realized carried interest and realized disposition gains from principal investments. We believe these measures provide insight into earnings received by the company that are available for distribution to common shareholders or to be reinvested into the business.

    Realized carried interest and realized disposition gains are further described below:

    • Realized Carried Interest represents our contractual share of investment gains generated within a private fund after considering our clients’ minimum return requirements. Realized carried interest is determined on third-party capital that is no longer subject to future investment performance.
    • Realized Disposition Gains from Principal Investments are included in DE because we consider the purchase and sale of assets from our directly held investments to be a normal part of the company’s business. Realized disposition gains include gains and losses recorded in net income and equity in the current period, and are adjusted to include fair value changes and revaluation surplus balances recorded in prior periods which were not included in prior period DE.

    We use DE to assess our operating results and the value of Brookfield Corporation’s business and believe that many shareholders and analysts also find these measures of value to them.

    We make reference to Operating Funds from Operations (“Operating FFO”). We define Operating FFO as the company’s share of revenues less direct costs and interest expenses; excludes realized carried interest and disposition gains, fair value changes, depreciation and amortization and deferred income taxes; and includes our proportionate share of FFO from operating activities recorded by equity accounted investments on a fully diluted basis.

    We make reference to Net Operating Income (“NOI”), which refers to the revenues from our operations less direct expenses before the impact of depreciation and amortization within our real estate business. We present this measure as we believe it is a key indicator of our ability to impact the operating performance of our properties. As NOI excludes non-recurring items and depreciation and amortization of real estate assets, it provides a performance measure that, when compared to prior periods, reflects the impact of operations from trends in occupancy rates and rental rates.

    We disclose a number of financial measures in this news release that are calculated and presented using methodologies other than in accordance with IFRS. These financial measures, which include DE, should not be considered as the sole measure of our performance and should not be considered in isolation from, or as a substitute for, similar financial measures calculated in accordance with IFRS. We caution readers that these non-IFRS financial measures or other financial metrics are not standardized under IFRS and may differ from the financial measures or other financial metrics disclosed by other businesses and, as a result, may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers and entities.

    We provide additional information on key terms and non-IFRS measures in our filings available at www.bn.brookfield.com.

    1. Consolidated basis – includes amounts attributable to non-controlling interests.
    2. Excludes amounts attributable to non-controlling interests.
    3. See Reconciliation of Net Income to Distributable Earnings on page 5 and Non-IFRS and Performance Measures section on page 8.

    Notice to Readers

    Brookfield Corporation is not making any offer or invitation of any kind by communication of this news release and under no circumstance is it to be construed as a prospectus or an advertisement.

    This news release contains “forward-looking information” within the meaning of Canadian provincial securities laws and “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, “safe harbor” provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and in any applicable Canadian securities regulations (collectively, “forward-looking statements”). Forward- looking statements include statements that are predictive in nature, depend upon or refer to future results, events or conditions, and include, but are not limited to, statements which reflect management’s current estimates, beliefs and assumptions regarding the operations, business, financial condition, expected financial results, performance, prospects, opportunities, priorities, targets, goals, ongoing objectives, strategies, capital management and outlook of Brookfield Corporation and its subsidiaries, as well as the outlook for North American and international economies for the current fiscal year and subsequent periods, and which in turn are based on our experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors management believes are appropriate in the circumstances. The estimates, beliefs and assumptions of Brookfield Corporation are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive and other uncertainties and contingencies regarding future events and as such, are subject to change. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as “expect,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “foresee,” “could,” “estimate,” “goal,” “intend,” “plan,” “seek,” “strive,” “will,” “may” and “should” and similar expressions. In particular, the forward-looking statements contained in this news release include statements referring to the impact of current market or economic conditions on our business, the future state of the economy or the securities market, the anticipated allocation and deployment of our capital, our fundraising targets, and our target growth objectives.

    Although Brookfield Corporation believes that such forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable estimates, beliefs and assumptions, actual results may differ materially from the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated or implied by forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: (i) returns that are lower than target; (ii) the impact or unanticipated impact of general economic, political and market factors in the countries in which we do business; (iii) the behavior of financial markets, including fluctuations in interest and foreign exchange rates and heightened inflationary pressures; (iv) global equity and capital markets and the availability of equity and debt financing and refinancing within these markets; (v) strategic actions including acquisitions and dispositions; the ability to complete and effectively integrate acquisitions into existing operations and the ability to attain expected benefits; (vi) changes in accounting policies and methods used to report financial condition (including uncertainties associated with critical accounting assumptions and estimates); (vii) the ability to appropriately manage human capital; (viii) the effect of applying future accounting changes; (ix) business competition; (x) operational and reputational risks; (xi) technological change; (xii) changes in government regulation and legislation within the countries in which we operate; (xiii) governmental investigations and sanctions; (xiv) litigation; (xv) changes in tax laws; (xvi) ability to collect amounts owed; (xvii) catastrophic events, such as earthquakes, hurricanes and epidemics/pandemics; (xviii) the possible impact of international conflicts and other developments including terrorist acts and cyberterrorism; (xix) the introduction, withdrawal, success and timing of business initiatives and strategies; (xx) the failure of effective disclosure controls and procedures and internal controls over financial reporting and other risks; (xxi) health, safety and environmental risks; (xxii) the maintenance of adequate insurance coverage; (xxiii) the existence of information barriers between certain businesses within our asset management operations; (xxiv) risks specific to our business segments including asset management, wealth solutions, renewable power and transition, infrastructure, private equity, real estate and corporate activities; and (xxv) factors detailed from time to time in our documents filed with the securities regulators in Canada and the United States.

    We caution that the foregoing list of important factors that may affect future results is not exhaustive and other factors could also adversely affect future results. Readers are urged to consider these risks, as well as other uncertainties, factors and assumptions carefully in evaluating the forward-looking statements and are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements, which are based only on information available to us as of the date of this news release or such other date specified herein. Except as required by law, Brookfield Corporation undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward- looking statements, whether written or oral, that may be as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    Past performance is not indicative nor a guarantee of future results. There can be no assurance that comparable results will be achieved in the future, that future investments will be similar to historic investments discussed herein, that targeted returns, growth objectives, diversification or asset allocations will be met or that an investment strategy or investment objectives will be achieved (because of economic conditions, the availability of appropriate opportunities or otherwise).

    Target returns and growth objectives set forth in this news release are for illustrative and informational purposes only and have been presented based on various assumptions made by Brookfield Corporation in relation to the investment strategies being pursued, any of which may prove to be incorrect. There can be no assurance that targeted returns or growth objectives will be achieved. Due to various risks, uncertainties and changes (including changes in economic, operational, political or other circumstances) beyond Brookfield Corporation’s control, the actual performance of the business could differ materially from the target returns and growth objectives set forth herein. In addition, industry experts may disagree with the assumptions used in presenting the target returns and growth objectives. No assurance, representation or warranty is made by any person that the target returns or growth objectives will be achieved, and undue reliance should not be put on them.

    When we speak about our wealth solutions business or Brookfield Wealth Solutions, we are referring to Brookfield’s investments in this business that supported the acquisitions of its underlying operating subsidiaries.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: VATICAN/GENERAL AUDIENCE – Pope Francis: “God does not destroy the structures of the world, but wants to recreate them from within”

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Wednesday, 12 February 2025

    Vatican Media

    Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – When the Evangelist Luke tells us about the birth of Jesus, he shows us “the humility of a God who comes into history, does not dismantle the structures of the world, but wants to illuminate them and recreate them from within”, says the Pope’s catechesis at the general audience, read for the Pope by a member of the Secretariat of State, Father Pierluigi Giroli.In the cycle of catechesis – Jubilee 2025, Jesus Christ our Hope, the Pope deals with the event of the birth of Jesus with numerous quotes from the book “The Infancy Narratives” by Benedict XVI.The Son of God, says the Pope, “enters history as our travelling companion, and begins to travel while still in His mother’s womb. As soon as He was conceived, He went from Nazareth to the house of Zechariah and Elizabeth; and then, at the end of the pregnancy, from Nazareth to Bethlehem for the census. The long-awaited Messiah, allows Himself to be counted, that is, counted and registered, like any other citizen. He submits to the decree of an emperor, Caesar Augustus, who thinks he is the master of all the earth.”Luke places Jesus’ birth in “an exactly datable time” and in “an exactly indicated geographical setting”, so that “the universal and the concrete touch each other”. However, “Jesus is born a way entirely unprecedented for a king. The Son of God is not born in a royal palace, but at the back of a house, in the space where the animals are kept”.The evangelist “shows us that God does not come into the world with resounding proclamations, he does not manifest himself with noise, but begins his journey in humility”. And “the first witnesses” of this event are “the shepherds”, men who are “on the margins of society”. Nevertheless, the Pope said, “they practice the occupation by which God himself makes himself known to his people (cf. Gen 48:15; 49:24; Ps 23:1; 80:2; Is 40:11)”. They are the ones chosen by God “as the recipients of the most beautiful news that has ever resounded in history”.They are the first to learn “that the long-awaited Messiah is born in a very humble place, and he is born for them, to be their Saviour, their shepherd. This news opens their hearts to wonder, praise and joyful proclamation,” so that they “become the first to see the most essential thing of all: the gift of salvation”.At the end of the catechesis and the greetings in the other languages, the Pope took the microphone only for the greetings in Spanish and Italian to make another appeal for peace: “I think of the many countries that are at war. Sisters, brothers, let us pray for peace. Let us do our utmost for peace. Do not forget that war is a defeat. Always. We were not born to kill, but to make peoples grow. May pathways of peace be found. Please, in your daily prayer, ask for peace. Tormented Ukraine… how it suffers. Then, think of Palestine, Israel, Myanmar, North Kivu, South Sudan. So many countries at war. Please, let us pray for peace. Let us do penance for peace,” he concluded. (F.B.) (Agenzia Fides, 12/2/2025)
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    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – India’s Parliament and other political institutions – 13-02-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    India is a pluralistic, multi-faith, multilingual (with 22 recognised languages), and multi-ethnic country. In April 2023 it overtook China as the world’s most populous country (it had a population of 1.44 billion in 2024). India’s 1950 Constitution provides for a quasi-federal set-up, with powers separated between the central union and the 28 state governments. Competences are distributed by administrative level – between the Union (the Centre), the states, or ‘concurrently’. The Prime Minister possesses the country’s effective executive power. As ‘Leader of the House’ in the lower chamber, the Prime Minister also holds decisive power in deciding the House’s agenda. However, the real power of initiating legislation belongs to the government, and the Parliament has no say on foreign affairs. India’s Parliament is bicameral: it includes the Lok Sabha – the lower house – and the Rajya Sabha – the upper house. The two houses are equal, but the Lok Sabha dominates in deciding certain financial matters and on the collective responsibility of the Council of Ministers. General elections take place for Lok Sabha members every five years. The last elections took place in April-May 2024, when Narendra Modi obtained his third mandate as Prime Minister. The Rajva Sabha is a permanent body consisting of members indirectly elected by the states, and it is not subject to dissolution. India has a common law legal system. The Supreme Court is the final court of appeal, headed by the Chief Justice of India. It arbitrates on any dispute between the Union and the states, as well as between states, and on the enforcement of fundamental rights. It has powers of judicial review over legislation adopted by both the Union and the states. This is an update of a briefing published in March 2020.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Annulment of the presidential elections in Romania and the role of the Commission following Thierry Breton’s remarks – P-000150/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Priority question for written answer  P-000150/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Matthieu Valet (PfE)

    On 6 December 2024, the far-right candidate Călin Georgescu came first in the first round of Romania’s presidential elections. However, these elections were immediately annulled by the Romanian Constitutional Court on controversial grounds, sparking heated debate and leading to the opening of an investigation by the Commission.

    On 9 January 2025, former European Commissioner Thierry Breton told French television channel RMC Story that if the German AfD party won the elections in Germany, they could also be annulled by the European Union, ‘as was done in Romania’, he said[1].

    On 12 January 2025, thousands of Romanians took to the streets of Bucharest to protest against the annulment of the elections and express their dissatisfaction with this decision, which was seen as an attack on national sovereignty.

    • 1.Does the Commission support Thierry Breton’s remarks concerning the possible annulment of elections in Germany?
    • 2.Did the Commission exert any direct or indirect influence on the decision to annul the presidential elections in Romania?
    • 3.If so, in what context and for what reasons?

    Submitted: 15.1.2025

    • [1] https://rmc.bfmtv.com/actualites/international/on-l-a-fait-en-roumanie-thierry-breton-reagit-aux-ingerences-de-musk-en-allemagne-avec-l-afd_AN-202501090232.html
    Last updated: 13 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: EIB and Government of Malta strengthen partnership with €260 million investment for sustainable growth

    Source: European Investment Bank

    EIB

    • EIB signed with Ministry for Finance the first €130 million tranche of the €260 million financing package approved by the EU Bank.
    • The EIB’s support will enhance Malta’s national co-financing contribution for the implementation of various EU funds, driving investments in crucial sectors of the economy.
    • Since 1979, the EIB Group has invested more than €1 billion in Malta.

    The European Investment Bank (EIB) approved a financing package of €260 million to support the Maltese government’s investments aimed at fostering a smarter, greener, and more resilient economy. The first €130 million tranche was signed this morning in Valletta by Clyde Caruana, Minister for Finance, and Kyriacos Kakouris, EIB Vice-President. This landmark agreement will help Malta co-finance initiatives that receive grants through the European Union budget for the 2021-2027 period, advancing strategic investments in critical sectors that drive economic growth, job creation, and social cohesion.

    This funding will drive investment in key areas, including modernising health infrastructure to improve healthcare accessibility, strengthening SMEs by enhancing credit access and fostering entrepreneurship, and accelerating digital transformation to expand connectivity and drive innovation. Additionally, the financing will support biodiversity protection, wastewater management, and sustainable transport initiatives such as cycling infrastructure and energy-efficient solutions. These efforts will encourage sustainable mobility, lower emissions, and enhance energy security, reinforcing Malta’s economic, social, and territorial cohesion in alignment with EU policy priorities.

    The EIB will support Malta’s national co-financing share for the implementation of the Operational Programmes for the 2021-2027 period under different EU funds, namely the Cohesion Fund (CF), the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the European Social Fund (ESF), the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF), and the Just Transition Fund (JTF).

    Minister for Finance Clyde Caruana commented: “The financing package we have just signed is a testament to the shared values between Malta and the EIB, serving as a crucial step in driving Malta’s economic growth. Through such commitment and collaboration, Malta’s vision for the future will become a reality, thus ensuring that society and local businesses will continue to thrive and excel.”

    EIB Vice-President Kyriacos Kakouris highlighted: “This agreement demonstrates the EIB’s strong commitment to Malta’s sustainable growth. By accelerating investments in key areas—healthcare, digital innovation, sustainable transport, and environmental protection—we aim to enhance economic resilience and improve the quality of life for Maltese citizens. Together, we are shaping a greener, more innovative, and competitive future for Malta.”

    The EIB in Malta

    The European Investment Bank (EIB) has been supporting the Maltese economy since before the country’s accession to the European Union, with its first project signed in 1979 to help expand the commercial port of Valletta Grand Harbour. Since then, the EIB Group’s financing in Malta has exceeded €1 billion, aiding vital sectors such as SME access to finance, urban regeneration, climate action, telecommunications, and the construction of affordable housing. The EIB has also supported landmark infrastructure projects that have transformed the heart of Valletta, including the Parliament building and the open-air theatre at the City Gate. As the EU’s long-term lending institution, the EIB remains committed to promoting sustainable investment and fostering economic resilience in Malta and across Europe.

    Background information   

    The European Investment Bank (ElB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by its Member States. Built around eight core priorities, we finance investments that contribute to EU policy objectives by bolstering climate action and the environment, digitalisation and technological innovation, security and defence, cohesion, agriculture and bioeconomy, social infrastructure, high-impact investments outside the European Union, and the capital markets union.  

    The EIB Group, which also includes the European Investment Fund (EIF), signed nearly €89 billion in new financing for over 900 high-impact projects in 2024, boosting Europe’s competitiveness and security.  

    All projects financed by the EIB Group are in line with the Paris Climate Agreement, as pledged in our Climate Bank Roadmap. Almost 60% of the EIB Group’s annual financing supports projects directly contributing to climate change mitigation, adaptation, and a healthier environment.  

    Fostering market integration and mobilising investment, the Group supported a record of over €100 billion in new investment for Europe’s energy security in 2024 and mobilised €110 billion in growth capital for startups, scale-ups and European pioneers. Approximately half of the EIB’s financing within the European Union is directed towards cohesion regions, where per capita income is lower than the EU average.

    EIB and Government of Malta strengthen partnership with €260 million investment for sustainable growth
    EIB and Government of Malta strengthen partnership with €260 million investment for sustainable growth
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    EIB and Government of Malta strengthen partnership with €260 million investment for sustainable growth
    EIB and Government of Malta strengthen partnership with €260 million investment for sustainable growth
    ©EIB
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    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – Community sponsorship schemes under the new pact on migration and asylum: A common EU approach? – 13-02-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    The number of people in the world who have been forcibly displaced inside or outside their home country has risen significantly in recent years, as reflected in the unprecedented numbers of refugees and irregular migrants arriving in the EU since 2015. This highlights an urgent need to ensure organised, legal and safe pathways to protect migrants who embark on dangerous journeys and attempt to enter countries of destination irregularly, or find themselves in protracted refugee situations. A potential solution is the community sponsorship scheme, understood as encompassing several different approaches for refugee admission to third countries other than countries of origin or transit. The concept includes a shared responsibility between civil society and the state when engaging in refugee admission efforts, by providing financial, emotional, social and/or settlement support to help newly arrived refugees integrate in a third country. Community sponsorship for integration is particularly important in the EU, where local and national governments, alongside civil society, have been pondering how best to support newcomers and ease integration and social cohesion. Since 2015, the concept has been piloted and launched in several EU countries, including through the active input of regions and cities. The pact on migration and asylum, which entered into force in June 2024, affirmed the EU’s commitment to supporting national sponsorship schemes and expressed its desire to do more to promote an EU approach to community sponsorship, building on the experience of Member States.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Minutes – Wednesday, 12 February 2025 – Strasbourg – Final edition

    Source: European Parliament

    PV-10-2025-02-12

    EN

    EN

    iPlPv_Sit

    Minutes
    Wednesday, 12 February 2025 – Strasbourg

    IN THE CHAIR: Roberta METSOLA
    President

    1. Opening of the sitting

    The sitting opened at 09:04.


    2. Negotiations ahead of Parliament’s first reading (Rule 72) (action taken)

    The decision of the AFET and BUDG committees to enter into interinstitutional negotiations had been announced on 10 February 2025 (minutes of 10.2.2025, item 7).

    As no request for a vote pursuant to Rule 72(2) had been made, the committees responsible had been able to enter into negotiations upon expiry of the deadline.


    3. Commission Work Programme 2025 (debate)

    Commission statement: Commission Work Programme 2025 (2025/2500(RSP))

    The President gave explanations on the conduct of the debate, as a new format was being tested.

    The following spoke: Gerben-Jan Gerbrandy, on the presence of the Commission at the debate.

    Maroš Šefčovič (Member of the Commission) made the statement.

    The following spoke: Jeroen Lenaers, on behalf of the PPE Group, Iratxe García Pérez, on behalf of the S&D Group, Jordan Bardella, on behalf of the PfE Group, Nicola Procaccini, on behalf of the ECR Group, Valérie Hayer, on behalf of the Renew Group, Bas Eickhout, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Martin Schirdewan, on behalf of The Left Group, René Aust, on behalf of the ESN Group, Tomas Tobé, Camilla Laureti, Sebastiaan Stöteler, who also answered a blue-card question from Gerben-Jan Gerbrandy, Patryk Jaki, who also answered a blue-card question from Yvan Verougstraete, Billy Kelleher, Kira Marie Peter-Hansen, who also answered a blue-card question from Tomáš Zdechovský, Pasquale Tridico, Christine Anderson, Kateřina Konečná, who also answered a blue-card question from Tomáš Zdechovský, Dolors Montserrat, Mohammed Chahim, Tamás Deutsch, who also answered a blue-card question from Martin Hojsík, Lídia Pereira, who also answered a blue-card question from João Oliveira, Gabriele Bischoff, Charlie Weimers, who also answered a blue-card question from Petras Gražulis, Gerben-Jan Gerbrandy, who also answered a blue-card question from Sander Smit, Željana Zovko, Damian Boeselager, Andrey Novakov, Yannis Maniatis, Jorge Buxadé Villalba, Adrian-George Axinia, Gordan Bosanac, Tomislav Sokol, Ana Catarina Mendes, Irene Montero, Monika Beňová, Lena Düpont, Alex Agius Saliba, Karlo Ressler, Paolo Borchia, Assita Kanko, Martin Hojsík, Angelika Niebler, Anna Bryłka, Zsuzsanna Borvendég, Elissavet Vozemberg-Vrionidi, Heléne Fritzon, Harald Vilimsky, Beata Szydło, Paulo Cunha, who also answered a blue-card question from João Oliveira, Mario Mantovani, Hannah Neumann, Li Andersson, Thomas Geisel, Nikolina Brnjac, Kathleen Van Brempt, Gilles Pennelle, Ioan-Rareş Bogdan and Marion Maréchal.

    The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Michał Wawrykiewicz, Juan Fernando López Aguilar, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Hilde Vautmans, Tilly Metz, Lynn Boylan, Lukas Sieper, Sunčana Glavak, Maria Grapini, Bert-Jan Ruissen, Seán Kelly, Vytenis Povilas Andriukaitis, Thomas Bajada, Cristina Maestre and Jean-Marc Germain.

    The following spoke: Maroš Šefčovič.

    The following spoke: Jeroen Lenaers, who referred to the presence of the Commission at the debate.

    The debate closed.


    4. One year after the murder of Alexei Navalny and the continued repression of the democratic opposition in Russia (debate)

    Statements by Parliament: One year after the murder of Alexei Navalny and the continued repression of the democratic opposition in Russia (2024/2526(RSP))

    The President made an introductory address.

    The following spoke: Sandra Kalniete, on behalf of the PPE Group, Andreas Schieder, on behalf of the S&D Group, Pierre-Romain Thionnet, on behalf of the PfE Group, Nicola Procaccini, on behalf of the ECR Group, Bernard Guetta, on behalf of the Renew Group, Sergey Lagodinsky, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Martin Schirdewan, on behalf of The Left Group, and Petar Volgin, on behalf of the ESN Group.

    The debate closed.

    (The sitting was suspended for a few moments.)


    IN THE CHAIR: Sophie WILMÈS
    Vice-President

    5. Resumption of the sitting

    The sitting resumed at 12:05.


    6. Voting time

    For detailed results of the votes, see also ‘Results of votes’ and ‘Results of roll-call votes’.


    6.1. VAT: rules for the digital age * (vote)

    Report on the draft Council directive amending Directive 2006/112/EC as regards VAT rules for the digital age [15159/2024 – C10-0170/2024 – 2022/0407(CNS)] – Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs. Rapporteur: Ľudovít Ódor (A10-0001/2025)

    (Majority of the votes cast)

    COUNCIL DRAFT

    Approved by single vote (P10_TA(2025)0012)

    The following had spoken:

    Before the vote, Ľudovít Ódor (rapporteur) to make a statement on the basis of Rule 165(4).

    (‘Results of votes’, item 1)


    6.2. Administrative cooperation in the field of taxation * (vote)

    Report on the proposal for a Council directive amending Directive 2011/16/EU on administrative cooperation in the field of taxation [COM(2024)0497 – C10-0169/2024 – 2024/0276(CNS)] – Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs. Rapporteur: Aurore Lalucq (A10-0002/2025)

    (Majority of the votes cast)

    COMMISSION PROPOSAL AU CONSEIL

    Approved by single vote (P10_TA(2025)0013)

    (‘Results of votes’, item 2)


    6.3. Objection pursuant to Rule 115(2) and (3): Genetically modified maize DP910521 (vote)

    Motion for a resolution tabled by the ENVI Committee, in accordance with Rule 115(2) and 115(3), (B10-0061/2025) – Members responsible: Martin Häusling, Biljana Borzan, Anja Hazekamp

    (Majority of the votes cast)

    MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0014)

    (‘Results of votes’, item 3)


    6.4. Objection pursuant to Rule 115(2) and (3): Genetically modified maize MON 95275 (vote)

    Motion for a resolution tabled by the ENVI Committee, in accordance with Rule 115(2) and 115(3), on the draft Commission implementing decision authorising the placing on the market of products containing, consisting of or produced from genetically modified maize MON 95275 pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council (D102172/03 – 2024/3011(RSP)) (B10-0060/2025) – Members responsible: Martin Häusling, Biljana Borzan, Anja Hazekamp

    (Majority of the votes cast)

    MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0015)

    (‘Results of votes’, item 4)

    (The sitting was suspended at 12:11.)


    IN THE CHAIR: Martin HOJSÍK
    Vice-President

    7. Resumption of the sitting

    The sitting resumed at 12:15.


    8. Approval of the minutes of the previous sitting

    The minutes of the previous sitting were approved.


    9. Collaboration between conservatives and the far right as a threat to competitiveness in the EU (topical debate)

    The following spoke: René Repasi to open the debate proposed by the S&D Group.

    The following spoke: Adam Szłapka (President-in-Office of the Council) and Stéphane Séjourné (Executive Vice-President of the Commission).

    The following spoke: Daniel Caspary, on behalf of the PPE Group, Javi López, on behalf of the S&D Group, António Tânger Corrêa, on behalf of the PfE Group, Carlo Fidanza, on behalf of the ECR Group, Billy Kelleher, on behalf of the Renew Group, Daniel Freund, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Martin Schirdewan, on behalf of The Left Group, Ivan David, on behalf of the ESN Group, Lukas Mandl, Heléne Fritzon, Klara Dostalova, Jadwiga Wiśniewska, Sandro Gozi, Maria Ohisalo, Marina Mesure, Markus Buchheit, Lukas Sieper, Angelika Niebler, Katarina Barley, Anders Vistisen, Charlie Weimers, Charles Goerens, Thomas Waitz, Jussi Saramo, Erik Kaliňák, Alma Ezcurra Almansa, Mohammed Chahim, Paolo Borchia, Assita Kanko, Moritz Körner, Reinier Van Lanschot, Luis-Vicențiu Lazarus, Riho Terras, Alessandra Moretti, Ondřej Knotek, Stefano Cavedagna, Anna Stürgkh, Majdouline Sbai, François-Xavier Bellamy, Andreas Schieder, Jorge Buxadé Villalba, Cristian Terheş, Stefan Berger, Vasile Dîncu, Afroditi Latinopoulou, Thomas Pellerin-Carlin, Csaba Dömötör, Estelle Ceulemans, Jean-Paul Garraud, Tiemo Wölken and Marc Angel.

    The following spoke: Stéphane Séjourné and Adam Szłapka.

    The debate closed.


    10. Competitiveness Compass (debate)

    Council and Commission statements: Competitiveness Compass (2025/2531(RSP))

    Adam Szłapka (President-in-Office of the Council) and Stéphane Séjourné (Executive Vice-President of the Commission) made the statements.

    The following spoke: Christian Ehler, on behalf of the PPE Group.

    IN THE CHAIR: Roberts ZĪLE
    Vice-President

    The following spoke: Mohammed Chahim, on behalf of the S&D Group, Tom Vandendriessche, on behalf of the PfE Group, Johan Van Overtveldt, on behalf of the ECR Group, Morten Løkkegaard, on behalf of the Renew Group, Marie Toussaint, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Hanna Gedin, on behalf of The Left Group, Sarah Knafo, on behalf of the ESN Group, Markus Ferber, Gabriele Bischoff, who also answered a blue-card question from Bogdan Rzońca, Anders Vistisen, Piotr Müller, João Cotrim De Figueiredo, Ville Niinistö, Anthony Smith, Lefteris Nikolaou-Alavanos, Peter Liese, Alex Agius Saliba, Julie Rechagneux, who also answered a blue-card question from Anthony Smith, Elena Donazzan, Pascal Canfin, Sara Matthieu, Per Clausen, who also answered a blue-card question from Jadwiga Wiśniewska, Andreas Schwab, Irene Tinagli, who also answered a blue-card question from Diana Iovanovici Şoşoacă, András Gyürk, Gheorghe Piperea, Svenja Hahn, João Oliveira, Lídia Pereira, Aurore Lalucq, Jana Nagyová, Giovanni Crosetto, Anna-Maja Henriksson, Rudi Kennes, Massimiliano Salini, Ana Catarina Mendes, who also answered blue-card questions from João Oliveira and Lídia Pereira, Margarita de la Pisa Carrión, who also answered a blue-card question from Dario Nardella, Kosma Złotowski, Anna Stürgkh, Fernando Navarrete Rojas, Estelle Ceulemans, Sebastian Kruis, Dick Erixon, Jeannette Baljeu, Jens Gieseke, Jonás Fernández, Tomasz Buczek, Antonella Sberna, Oihane Agirregoitia Martínez, Tom Berendsen, Laura Ballarín Cereza, Pascale Piera, Nora Junco García, Cynthia Ní Mhurchú, Pilar del Castillo Vera, Dario Nardella, Ľudovít Ódor, Eszter Lakos and Carla Tavares.

    IN THE CHAIR: Christel SCHALDEMOSE
    Vice-President

    The following spoke: Virgil-Daniel Popescu, Lara Wolters, Jessica Polfjärd, Delara Burkhardt, Eero Heinäluoma, Victor Negrescu and Marcos Ros Sempere.

    The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Hélder Sousa Silva, Nina Carberry, Maria Zacharia, Maria Grapini and Sebastian Tynkkynen.

    The following spoke: Stéphane Séjourné and Adam Szłapka.

    The debate closed.


    11. Composition of committees and delegations

    The ECR Group had notified the President of the following decisions changing the composition of the committees and delegations:

    – ITRE Committee: Diego Solier to replace Carlo Ciccioli

    – PETI Committee: Chiara Gemma

    The decisions took effect as of that day.


    12. Need for targeted support to EU regions bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine (debate)

    Council and Commission statements: Need for targeted support to EU regions bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine (2025/2532(RSP))

    Adam Szłapka (President-in-Office of the Council) and Raffaele Fitto (Executive Vice-President of the Commission) made the statements.

    The following spoke: Andrzej Halicki, on behalf of the PPE Group, Marcos Ros Sempere, on behalf of the S&D Group, Sebastian Tynkkynen, on behalf of the ECR Group, Ľubica Karvašová, on behalf of the Renew Group, Mārtiņš Staķis, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Marcin Sypniewski, on behalf of the ESN Group, Ioan-Rareş Bogdan, Marina Kaljurand, Tobiasz Bocheński, Elsi Katainen, Michael von der Schulenburg, Andrey Novakov, Eero Heinäluoma, Georgiana Teodorescu, Eugen Tomac, Mika Aaltola, Carla Tavares, Aurelijus Veryga, Petras Auštrevičius, Riho Terras, Reinis Pozņaks, Christophe Gomart and Maciej Wąsik.

    The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Seán Kelly, Juan Fernando López Aguilar, Liudas Mažylis, Vilija Blinkevičiūtė and Diana Iovanovici Şoşoacă.

    The following spoke: Raffaele Fitto and Adam Szłapka.

    The debate closed.


    13. US withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement and the World Health Organisation, and the suspension of US development and humanitarian aid (debate)

    Commission statement: US withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement and the World Health Organisation, and the suspension of US development and humanitarian aid (2025/2527(RSP))

    Hadja Lahbib (Member of the Commission) made the statement.

    The following spoke: Michał Szczerba, on behalf of the PPE Group, Mohammed Chahim, on behalf of the S&D Group, Ondřej Knotek, on behalf of the PfE Group, Alexandr Vondra, on behalf of the ECR Group, Barry Andrews, on behalf of the Renew Group, Michael Bloss, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Jonas Sjöstedt, on behalf of The Left Group, Christine Anderson, on behalf of the ESN Group, Udo Bullmann, who also declined to take a blue-card question from Alexander Sell, António Tânger Corrêa, Anna Zalewska, Dan Barna, Ignazio Roberto Marino, Isabel Serra Sánchez, Alexander Sell, Ondřej Dostál, Tomislav Sokol, Vytenis Povilas Andriukaitis, Gerolf Annemans, Francesco Torselli, Charles Goerens, Lena Schilling, Marc Botenga, Anja Arndt, David McAllister, Tiemo Wölken, who also answered a blue-card question from Alexander Sell, Julien Sanchez, Laurence Trochu, Sigrid Friis and Isabella Lövin.

    IN THE CHAIR: Antonella SBERNA
    Vice-President

    The following spoke: Catarina Martins, who also answered a blue-card question from Diana Iovanovici Şoşoacă, Stanislav Stoyanov, Radan Kanev, Nicola Zingaretti, Juan Carlos Girauta Vidal, Sergio Berlato, who also answered a blue-card question from Radan Kanev, Michal Wiezik, Rasmus Nordqvist, Valentina Palmisano, Milan Mazurek, Lídia Pereira, Marta Temido, who also answered a blue-card question from João Oliveira, Marieke Ehlers, who also answered a blue-card question from Nicolae Ştefănuță, Lukas Sieper on some of the remarks made by the previous speaker, Nikolas Farantouris, Sander Smit, who also answered a blue-card question from Anna Strolenberg, Antonio Decaro, Hermann Tertsch, Murielle Laurent, Roman Haider, Leire Pajín, Virginie Joron, Heléne Fritzon, Gerald Hauser, Robert Biedroń, Anne-Sophie Frigout and Aleksandar Nikolic.

    The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Seán Kelly, Marit Maij, Alexander Jungbluth, Lukas Sieper, Nikolina Brnjac and Michał Wawrykiewicz.

    The following spoke: Hadja Lahbib.

    The debate closed.


    14. Honouring the memory of Ján Kuciak and Martina Kušnírová: advancing media freedom, strengthening the rule of law and protecting journalists across the EU (debate)

    Commission statement: Honouring the memory of Ján Kuciak and Martina Kušnírová: advancing media freedom, strengthening the rule of law and protecting journalists across the EU (2025/2556(RSP))

    Michael McGrath (Member of the Commission) made the statement.

    The following spoke: Miriam Lexmann, on behalf of the PPE Group, Ana Catarina Mendes, on behalf of the S&D Group, Juan Carlos Girauta Vidal, on behalf of the PfE Group, Małgorzata Gosiewska, on behalf of the ECR Group, Veronika Cifrová Ostrihoňová, on behalf of the Renew Group, Tineke Strik, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Konstantinos Arvanitis, on behalf of The Left Group, Milan Uhrík, on behalf of the ESN Group, David Casa, Emma Rafowicz, Irena Joveva, Katarína Roth Neveďalová, Magdalena Adamowicz, Sophie Wilmès, Hristo Petrov and Laurence Farreng.

    IN THE CHAIR: Esteban GONZÁLEZ PONS
    Vice-President

    The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Juan Fernando López Aguilar, Maria Zacharia and Lukas Sieper.

    The following spoke: Michael McGrath.

    The debate closed.


    15. Debate on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law (debate)

    (For the titles and authors of the motions for resolutions, see minutes of 12.2.2025, item I.)


    15.1. Recent dismissals and arrests of mayors in Türkiye

    Motions for resolutions B10-0100/2025, B10-0103/2025, B10-0110/2025, B10-0115/2025, B10-0119/2025, B10-0121/2025 and B10-0124/2025 (2025/2546(RSP))

    Michalis Hadjipantela, Evin Incir, Malik Azmani, Vladimir Prebilič, Isabel Serra Sánchez and Sebastiaan Stöteler introduced their groups’ motions for resolutions.

    The following spoke: Reinhold Lopatka, on behalf of the PPE Group, Nacho Sánchez Amor, on behalf of the S&D Group, Arkadiusz Mularczyk, on behalf of the ECR Group, Mélissa Camara, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Giorgos Georgiou, on behalf of The Left Group, Nikos Papandreou and Per Clausen.

    The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Geadis Geadi and Maria Zacharia.

    The following spoke: Glenn Micallef (Member of the Commission).

    The debate closed.

    Vote: 13 February 2025.


    15.2. Repression by the Ortega-Murillo regime in Nicaragua, targeting human rights defenders, political opponents and religious communities in particular

    Motions for resolutions B10-0126/2025, B10-0128/2025, B10-0130/2025, B10-0131/2025, B10-0132/2025, B10-0134/2025 and B10-0135/2025 (2025/2547(RSP))

    Željana Zovko, Leire Pajín, Carlo Fidanza, Oihane Agirregoitia Martínez, Diana Riba i Giner and Tomasz Froelich introduced their groups’ motions for resolutions.

    The following spoke: Antonio López-Istúriz White, on behalf of the PPE Group, Francisco Assis, on behalf of the S&D Group, Davor Ivo Stier, Gabriel Mato and Francisco José Millán Mon.

    The following spoke: Glenn Micallef (Member of the Commission).

    The debate closed.

    Vote: 13 February 2025.


    15.3. Continuing detention and risk of the death penalty for individuals in Nigeria charged with blasphemy, notably the case of Yahaya Sharif-Aminu

    Motions for resolutions B10-0101/2025, B10-0104/2025, B10-0111/2025, B10-0113/2025, B10-0117/2025, B10-0120/2025, B10-0122/2025 and B10-0123/2025 (2025/2548(RSP))

    Miriam Lexmann, Hannes Heide, Bert-Jan Ruissen, Catarina Vieira, Merja Kyllönen, Susanna Ceccardi and Tomasz Froelich introduced their groups’ motions for resolutions.

    The following spoke: Arkadiusz Mularczyk, on behalf of the ECR Group.

    The following spoke: Glenn Micallef (Member of the Commission).

    The debate closed.

    Vote: 13 February 2025.


    16. Silent crisis: the mental health of Europe’s youth (debate)

    Commission statement: Silent crisis: the mental health of Europe’s youth (2025/2552(RSP))

    Glenn Micallef (Member of the Commission) made the statement.

    The following spoke: Tomislav Sokol, on behalf of the PPE Group, Alex Agius Saliba, on behalf of the S&D Group, Aurelijus Veryga, on behalf of the ECR Group, Veronika Cifrová Ostrihoňová, on behalf of the Renew Group, Ignazio Roberto Marino, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Catarina Martins, on behalf of The Left Group, Milan Mazurek, on behalf of the ESN Group, Adam Jarubas, Nikos Papandreou, Michele Picaro and Nicolae Ştefănuță.

    IN THE CHAIR: Victor NEGRESCU
    Vice-President

    The following spoke: Emma Fourreau, Alvise Pérez, András Tivadar Kulja, Romana Jerković, Kim Van Sparrentak, Elena Nevado del Campo, Nicolás González Casares, Peter Agius, Maria Walsh and Jessika Van Leeuwen.

    The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Martine Kemp, Ana Miranda Paz, João Oliveira and Sunčana Glavak.

    The following spoke: Glenn Micallef.

    The debate closed.


    17. Explanations of vote

    Written explanations of vote

    Explanations of vote submitted in writing under Rule 201 appear on the Members’ pages on Parliament’s website.


    18. Agenda of the next sitting

    The next sitting would be held the following day, 13 February 2025, starting at 09:00. The agenda was available on Parliament’s website.


    19. Approval of the minutes of the sitting

    In accordance with Rule 208(3), the minutes of the sitting would be put to the House for approval at the beginning of the afternoon of the next sitting.


    20. Closure of the sitting

    The sitting closed at 21:26.


    LIST OF DOCUMENTS SERVING AS A BASIS FOR THE DEBATES AND DECISIONS OF PARLIAMENT


    I. Motions for resolutions tabled

    Recent dismissals and arrests of mayors in Türkiye

    The following Members or political groups had requested that a debate be held, in accordance with Rule 150, on the following motions for resolutions:

    on the recent dismissals and arrests of mayors in Türkiye (B10-0100/2025)
    Isabel Serra Sánchez, Özlem Demirel
    on behalf of The Left Group

    on the recent dismissals and arrests of mayors in Türkiye (B10-0103/2025)
    Vladimir Prebilič, Mélissa Camara, Mounir Satouri, Vicent Marzà Ibáñez, Catarina Vieira, Maria Ohisalo, Erik Marquardt, Nicolae Ştefănuță, Ville Niinistö, Villy Søvndal
    on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group

    on the recent dismissals and arrests of mayors in Türkiye (B10-0110/2025)
    Malik Azmani, Oihane Agirregoitia Martínez, Petras Auštrevičius, Dan Barna, Benoit Cassart, Olivier Chastel, Veronika Cifrová Ostrihoňová, Karin Karlsbro, Ľubica Karvašová, Jan-Christoph Oetjen, Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, Hilde Vautmans, Sophie Wilmès, Lucia Yar
    on behalf of the Renew Group

    on the recent dismissals and arrests of mayors in Türkiye (B10-0115/2025)
    Sebastiaan Stöteler, Marieke Ehlers, Jaroslav Bžoch, Roberto Vannacci, Susanna Ceccardi
    on behalf of the PfE Group

    on the recent dismissals and arrests of mayors in Türkiye (B10-0119/2025)
    Yannis Maniatis, Francisco Assis, Nacho Sánchez Amor, Evin Incir, Nikos Papandreou, Pina Picierno
    on behalf of the S&D Group

    on the recent dismissals and arrests of mayors in Türkiye (B10-0121/2025)
    Sebastião Bugalho, Vangelis Meimarakis, Željana Zovko, Wouter Beke, Antonio López Istúriz White, Isabel Wiseler Lima, Ingeborg Ter Laak, Tomáš Zdechovský, Mirosława Nykiel, Jessica Polfjärd, Luděk Niedermayer, Jan Farský, Inese Vaidere
    on behalf of the PPE Group

    on the recent dismissals and arrests of mayors in Türkiye (B10-0124/2025)
    Joachim Stanisław Brudziński, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Małgorzata Gosiewska, Waldemar Tomaszewski, Veronika Vrecionová, Ondřej Krutílek, Assita Kanko, Alexandr Vondra
    on behalf of the ECR Group

    Repression by the Ortega-Murillo regime in Nicaragua, targeting human rights defenders, political opponents and religious communities in particular

    The following Members or political groups had requested that a debate be held, in accordance with Rule 150, on the following motions for resolutions:

    on the repression by the Ortega-Murillo regime in Nicaragua, targeting human rights defenders, political opponents and religious communities in particular (B10-0126/2025)
    Sebastião Bugalho, Željana Zovko, Antonio López-Istúriz White, Gabriel Mato, David McAllister, Vangelis Meimarakis, Wouter Beke, Isabel Wiseler-Lima, Ingeborg Ter Laak, Tomáš Zdechovský, Mirosława Nykiel, Jessica Polfjärd, Luděk Niedermayer, Jan Farský, Andrey Kovatchev, Inese Vaidere
    on behalf of the PPE Group

    on the repression by the Ortega-Murillo regime in Nicaragua, targeting human rights defenders, political opponents and religious communities in particular (B10-0128/2025)
    Diana Riba i Giner, Catarina Vieira, Maria Ohisalo, Nicolae Ştefănuță, Ville Niinistö
    on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group

    on the repression by the Ortega-Murillo regime in Nicaragua, targeting human rights defenders, political opponents and religious communities in particular (B10-0130/2025)
    Tomasz Froelich
    on behalf of the ESN Group

    on the repression by the Ortega-Murillo regime in Nicaragua, targeting human rights defenders, political opponents and religious communities in particular (B10-0131/2025)
    Bernard Guetta, Oihane Agirregoitia Martínez, Petras Auštrevičius, Malik Azmani, Dan Barna, Benoit Cassart, Olivier Chastel, Engin Eroglu, Karin Karlsbro, Ľubica Karvašová, Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Urmas Paet, Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, Hilde Vautmans, Lucia Yar
    on behalf of the Renew Group

    on the repression by the Ortega-Murillo regime in Nicaragua, targeting human rights defenders, political opponents and religious communities in particular (B10-0132/2025)
    Hermann Tertsch, Jorge Martín Frías, Gerolf Annemans, Nikola Bartůšek, Roberto Vannacci, Susanna Ceccardi
    on behalf of the PfE Group

    on the repression by the Ortega-Murillo regime in Nicaragua, targeting human rights defenders, political opponents and religious communities in particular (B10-0134/2025)
    Yannis Maniatis, Francisco Assis, Leire Pajín
    on behalf of the S&D Group

    on the repression by the Ortega-Murillo regime in Nicaragua, targeting human rights defenders, political opponents and religious communities in particular (B10-0135/2025)
    Adam Bielan, Jadwiga Wiśniewska, Mariusz Kamiński, Ondřej Krutílek, Veronika Vrecionová, Joachim Stanisław Brudziński, Małgorzata Gosiewska, Waldemar Tomaszewski, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Assita Kanko, Ivaylo Valchev, Alexandr Vondra, Aurelijus Veryga, Alberico Gambino
    on behalf of the ECR Group

    Continuing detention and risk of the death penalty for individuals in Nigeria charged with blasphemy, notably the case of Yahaya Sharif-Aminu

    The following Members or political groups had requested that a debate be held, in accordance with Rule 150, on the following motions for resolutions:

    on continuing detention and risk of the death penalty for individuals in Nigeria charged with blasphemy, notably the case of Yahaya Sharif-Aminu (B10-0101/2025)
    Merja Kyllönen
    on behalf of The Left Group

    on continuing detention and risk of the death penalty for individuals in Nigeria charged with blasphemy, notably the case of Yahaya Sharif-Aminu (B10-0104/2025)
    Catarina Vieira, Maria Ohisalo, Nicolae Ştefănuță
    on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group

    on continuing detention and risk of the death penalty for individuals in Nigeria charged with blasphemy, notably the case of Yahaya Sharif-Aminu (B10-0111/2025)
    Susanna Ceccardi, Nikola Bartůšek
    on behalf of the PfE Group

    on continuing detention and risk of the death penalty for individuals in Nigeria charged with blasphemy, notably the case of Yahaya Sharif-Aminu (B10-0113/2025)
    Tomasz Froelich
    on behalf of the ESN Group

    on continuing detention and risk of the death penalty for individuals in Nigeria charged with blasphemy, notably the case of Yahaya Sharif-Aminu (B10-0117/2025)
    Jan Christoph Oetjen, Oihane Agirregoitia Martínez, Petras Auštrevičius, Malik Azmani, Dan Barna, Benoit Cassart, Olivier Chastel, Engin Eroglu, Karin Karlsbro, Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Urmas Paet, Marie Agnes Strack Zimmermann, Hilde Vautmans, Lucia Yar
    on behalf of the Renew Group

    on continuing detention and risk of the death penalty for individuals in Nigeria charged with blasphemy, notably the case of Yahaya Sharif-Aminu (B10-0120/2025)
    Yannis Maniatis, Francisco Assis, Hannes Heide
    on behalf of the S&D Group

    on continuing detention and risk of the death penalty for individuals in Nigeria charged with blasphemy, notably the case of Yahaya Sharif-Aminu (B10-0122/2025)
    Sebastião Bugalho, Vangelis Meimarakis, Željana Zovko, Wouter Beke, Isabel Wiseler Lima, Ingeborg Ter Laak, Tomáš Zdechovský, Mirosława Nykiel, Jessica Polfjärd, Luděk Niedermayer, Jan Farský, Inese Vaidere, Andrey Kovatchev
    on behalf of the PPE Group

    on continuing detention and risk of the death penalty for individuals in Nigeria charged with blasphemy, notably the case of Yahaya Sharif-Aminu (B10-0123/2025)
    Bert Jan Ruissen, Jadwiga Wiśniewska, Ondřej Krutílek, Veronika Vrecionová, Bogdan Rzońca, Joachim Stanisław Brudziński, Małgorzata Gosiewska, Waldemar Tomaszewski, Michał Dworczyk, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Assita Kanko, Alexandr Vondra, Alberico Gambino
    on behalf of the ECR Group


    II. Delegated acts (Rule 114(2))

    Draft delegated acts forwarded to Parliament

    – Commission Delegated Regulation supplementing Regulation (EU) 600/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards OTC derivatives identifying reference data to be used for the purposes of the transparency requirements laid down in Article 8a(2) and Articles 10 and 21 (C(2025)00417 – 2025/2534(DEA))

    Deadline for raising objections: 3 months from the date of receipt of 24 January 2025

    referred to committee responsible: ECON

    – Commission Delegated Regulation amending the regulatory technical standards laid down in Delegated Regulation (EU) 2021/931 as regards the specification of the formula for calculating the supervisory delta of call and put options mapped to the commodity risk category (C(2025)00459 – 2025/2537(DEA))

    Deadline for raising objections: 3 months from the date of receipt of 28 January 2025

    referred to committee responsible: ECON

    – Commission Delegated Regulation amending Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/624 as regards ante-mortem inspections in slaughterhouses, ante-mortem inspections at the holding of provenance and post-mortem inspections (C(2025)00539 – 2025/2540(DEA))

    Deadline for raising objections: 2 months from the date of receipt of 30 January 2025

    referred to committee responsible: ENVI
    opinion: AGRI

    – Commission Delegated Regulation amending the regulatory technical standards laid down in Delegated Regulation (EU) 2022/2059, Delegated Regulation (EU) 2022/2060 and Delegated Regulation (EU) 2023/1577 as regards the technical details of back-testing and profit and loss attribution requirements, the criteria for assessing the modellability of risk factors, and the treatment of foreign-exchange risk and commodity risk in the non-trading book (C(2025)00595 – 2025/2543(DEA))

    Deadline for raising objections: 3 months from the date of receipt of 3 February 2025

    referred to committee responsible: ECON

    – Commission Delegated Regulation supplementing Directive 2003/87/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council by laying down detailed rules for the yearly calculation of price differences between eligible aviation fuels and fossil kerosene and for the EU ETS allocation of allowances for the use of eligible aviation fuels (C(2025)00681 – 2025/2559(DEA))

    Deadline for raising objections: 2 months from the date of receipt of 6 February 2025

    referred to committee responsible: ENVI
    opinion: ITRE

    – Commission Delegated Regulation amending Regulation (EU) 2023/2053 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the management of bluefin tuna in the eastern Atlantic and in the Mediterranean (C(2025)00748 – 2025/2560(DEA))

    Deadline for raising objections: 2 months from the date of receipt of 7 February 2025

    referred to committee responsible: PECH


    III. Implementing measures (Rule 115)

    Draft implementing measures falling under the regulatory procedure with scrutiny forwarded to Parliament

    – Commission Regulation amending Regulation (EU) 2023/1803 as regards International Financial Reporting Standard 9 and International Financial Reporting Standard 7 (Text with EEA relevance) (D103844/01 – 2025/2525(RPS) – deadline: 21 April 2025)
    referred to committee responsible: ECON
    opinion: JURI

    – Commission Regulation amending and correcting Regulation (EU) No 142/2011 as regards certain requirements for the placing on the market and imports of animal by-products and derived products not intended for human consumption (D103880/01 – 2025/2535(RPS) – deadline: 28 April 2025)
    referred to committee responsible: ENVI


    IV. Transfers of appropriations and budgetary decisions

    In accordance with Article 29 of the Financial Regulation, the Committee on Budgets had decided to approve transfer of appropriations No 1/2025 – Section IX – European Data Protection Supervisor.

    In accordance with Article 31(1) of the Financial Regulation, the Committee on Budgets had decided to approve the Commission’s transfer of appropriations DEC 01/2025 – Section III – Commission.

    In accordance with Article 31(6) of the Financial Regulation, the Council of the European Union had decided to approve the Commission’s transfer of appropriations DEC 01/2025 – Section III – Commission.


    ATTENDANCE REGISTER

    Present:

    Aaltola Mika, Abadía Jover Maravillas, Adamowicz Magdalena, Aftias Georgios, Agirregoitia Martínez Oihane, Agius Peter, Agius Saliba Alex, Alexandraki Galato, Allione Grégory, Al-Sahlani Abir, Anadiotis Nikolaos, Anderson Christine, Andersson Li, Andresen Rasmus, Andrews Barry, Andriukaitis Vytenis Povilas, Androuët Mathilde, Angel Marc, Annemans Gerolf, Annunziata Lucia, Antoci Giuseppe, Arias Echeverría Pablo, Arimont Pascal, Arłukowicz Bartosz, Arnaoutoglou Sakis, Arndt Anja, Arvanitis Konstantinos, Asens Llodrà Jaume, Assis Francisco, Attard Daniel, Aubry Manon, Auštrevičius Petras, Axinia Adrian-George, Azmani Malik, Bajada Thomas, Baljeu Jeannette, Ballarín Cereza Laura, Bardella Jordan, Barley Katarina, Barna Dan, Barrena Arza Pernando, Bartulica Stephen Nikola, Bartůšek Nikola, Bausemer Arno, Bay Nicolas, Bay Christophe, Beke Wouter, Beleris Fredis, Bellamy François-Xavier, Benea Adrian-Dragoş, Benifei Brando, Benjumea Benjumea Isabel, Beňová Monika, Bentele Hildegard, Berendsen Tom, Berger Stefan, Berg Sibylle, Berlato Sergio, Bernhuber Alexander, Biedroń Robert, Bielan Adam, Bischoff Gabriele, Blaha Ľuboš, Blinkevičiūtė Vilija, Blom Rachel, Bloss Michael, Bocheński Tobiasz, Boeselager Damian, Bogdan Ioan-Rareş, Bonaccini Stefano, Bonte Barbara, Borchia Paolo, Borrás Pabón Mireia, Borvendég Zsuzsanna, Borzan Biljana, Bosanac Gordan, Bosse Stine, Botenga Marc, Boyer Gilles, Boylan Lynn, Brandstätter Helmut, Brasier-Clain Marie-Luce, Braun Grzegorz, Brejza Krzysztof, Bricmont Saskia, Brnjac Nikolina, Brudziński Joachim Stanisław, Bryłka Anna, Buchheit Markus, Buczek Tomasz, Buda Daniel, Budka Borys, Bugalho Sebastião, Buła Andrzej, Bullmann Udo, Burkhardt Delara, Buxadé Villalba Jorge, Bystron Petr, Bžoch Jaroslav, Camara Mélissa, Canfin Pascal, Carberry Nina, Cârciu Gheorghe, Carême Damien, Casa David, Caspary Daniel, Cassart Benoit, Castillo Laurent, del Castillo Vera Pilar, Cavazzini Anna, Cavedagna Stefano, Ceccardi Susanna, Cepeda José, Ceulemans Estelle, Chahim Mohammed, Chaibi Leila, Chastel Olivier, Chinnici Caterina, Cifrová Ostrihoňová Veronika, Ciriani Alessandro, Cisint Anna Maria, Clausen Per, Cormand David, Corrado Annalisa, Costanzo Vivien, Cotrim De Figueiredo João, Cowen Barry, Cremer Tobias, Crespo Díaz Carmen, Cristea Andi, Crosetto Giovanni, Cunha Paulo, Dahl Henrik, Danielsson Johan, Dauchy Marie, Dávid Dóra, David Ivan, Decaro Antonio, de la Hoz Quintano Raúl, Della Valle Danilo, Deloge Valérie, De Masi Fabio, De Meo Salvatore, Deutsch Tamás, Dibrani Adnan, Diepeveen Ton, Dieringer Elisabeth, Dîncu Vasile, Disdier Mélanie, Dobrev Klára, Doherty Regina, Doleschal Christian, Dömötör Csaba, Do Nascimento Cabral Paulo, Donazzan Elena, Dorfmann Herbert, Dostalova Klara, Dostál Ondřej, Düpont Lena, Dworczyk Michał, Ecke Matthias, Ehler Christian, Ehlers Marieke, Eriksson Sofie, Erixon Dick, Eroglu Engin, Estaràs Ferragut Rosa, Ezcurra Almansa Alma, Falcă Gheorghe, Farantouris Nikolas, Farreng Laurence, Farský Jan, Ferber Markus, Ferenc Viktória, Fernández Jonás, Fidanza Carlo, Firea Gabriela, Firmenich Ruth, Fita Claire, Flanagan Luke Ming, Fourlas Loucas, Fourreau Emma, Fragkos Emmanouil, Freund Daniel, Frigout Anne-Sophie, Friis Sigrid, Fritzon Heléne, Froelich Tomasz, Funchion Kathleen, Furet Angéline, Furore Mario, Gahler Michael, Gál Kinga, Gálvez Lina, Gambino Alberico, García Hermida-Van Der Walle Raquel, Garraud Jean-Paul, Gasiuk-Pihowicz Kamila, Geadi Geadis, Gedin Hanna, Geese Alexandra, Geier Jens, Geisel Thomas, Gemma Chiara, Georgiou Giorgos, Gerbrandy Gerben-Jan, Germain Jean-Marc, Gerzsenyi Gabriella, Geuking Niels, Gieseke Jens, Giménez Larraz Borja, Girauta Vidal Juan Carlos, Glavak Sunčana, Glucksmann Raphaël, Goerens Charles, Gomart Christophe, Gomes Isilda, Gómez López Sandra, Gonçalves Bruno, Gonçalves Sérgio, González Casares Nicolás, González Pons Esteban, Gori Giorgio, Gosiewska Małgorzata, Gotink Dirk, Gozi Sandro, Grapini Maria, Gražulis Petras, Gregorová Markéta, Grims Branko, Griset Catherine, Gronkiewicz-Waltz Hanna, Groothuis Bart, Grossmann Elisabeth, Gualmini Elisabetta, Guarda Cristina, Guetta Bernard, Guzenina Maria, Győri Enikő, Gyürk András, Hadjipantela Michalis, Hahn Svenja, Haider Roman, Halicki Andrzej, Hansen Niels Flemming, Hassan Rima, Hauser Gerald, Häusling Martin, Hava Mircea-Gheorghe, Hazekamp Anja, Heide Hannes, Heinäluoma Eero, Henriksson Anna-Maja, Herbst Niclas, Herranz García Esther, Hetman Krzysztof, Hohlmeier Monika, Hojsík Martin, Holmgren Pär, Hölvényi György, Homs Ginel Alicia, Humberto Sérgio, Ijabs Ivars, Imart Céline, Inselvini Paolo, Iovanovici Şoşoacă Diana, Jaki Patryk, Jalloul Muro Hana, Jamet France, Jarubas Adam, Jerković Romana, Joński Dariusz, Joron Virginie, Jouvet Pierre, Joveva Irena, Juknevičienė Rasa, Junco García Nora, Jungbluth Alexander, Kabilov Taner, Kalfon François, Kaliňák Erik, Kaljurand Marina, Kalniete Sandra, Kamiński Mariusz, Kanev Radan, Kanko Assita, Karlsbro Karin, Kartheiser Fernand, Karvašová Ľubica, Katainen Elsi, Kefalogiannis Emmanouil, Kelleher Billy, Keller Fabienne, Kelly Seán, Kemp Martine, Kennes Rudi, Knafo Sarah, Knotek Ondřej, Kobosko Michał, Köhler Stefan, Kohut Łukasz, Kokalari Arba, Kolář Ondřej, Kollár Kinga, Kols Rihards, Konečná Kateřina, Kopacz Ewa, Körner Moritz, Kountoura Elena, Kovatchev Andrey, Krah Maximilian, Krištopans Vilis, Kruis Sebastian, Krutílek Ondřej, Kubín Tomáš, Kuhnke Alice, Kulja András Tivadar, Kulmuni Katri, Kyllönen Merja, Kyuchyuk Ilhan, Lagodinsky Sergey, Lakos Eszter, Lalucq Aurore, Lange Bernd, Langensiepen Katrin, Laššáková Judita, László András, Latinopoulou Afroditi, Laurent Murielle, Laureti Camilla, Laykova Rada, Lazarov Ilia, Lazarus Luis-Vicențiu, Le Callennec Isabelle, Leggeri Fabrice, Lenaers Jeroen, Lewandowski Janusz, Lexmann Miriam, Liese Peter, Lins Norbert, Løkkegaard Morten, Lopatka Reinhold, López Javi, López Aguilar Juan Fernando, López-Istúriz White Antonio, Lövin Isabella, Luena César, Lupo Giuseppe, McAllister David, Madison Jaak, Maestre Cristina, Magoni Lara, Magyar Péter, Maij Marit, Maląg Marlena, Manda Claudiu, Mandl Lukas, Maniatis Yannis, Mantovani Mario, Maran Pierfrancesco, Marczułajtis-Walczak Jagna, Maréchal Marion, Mariani Thierry, Marino Ignazio Roberto, Marquardt Erik, Martín Frías Jorge, Martins Catarina, Martusciello Fulvio, Mato Gabriel, Matthieu Sara, Mavrides Costas, Mayer Georg, Mazurek Milan, Mažylis Liudas, McNamara Michael, Mebarek Nora, Mehnert Alexandra, Meimarakis Vangelis, Meleti Eleonora, Mendes Ana Catarina, Mendia Idoia, Mertens Verena, Mesure Marina, Metsola Roberta, Metz Tilly, Mikser Sven, Milazzo Giuseppe, Millán Mon Francisco José, Minchev Nikola, Miranda Paz Ana, Montero Irene, Montserrat Dolors, Morace Carolina, Moreira de Sá Tiago, Moreno Sánchez Javier, Moretti Alessandra, Motreanu Dan-Ştefan, Mularczyk Arkadiusz, Müller Piotr, Mureşan Siegfried, Nagyová Jana, Nardella Dario, Navarrete Rojas Fernando, Negrescu Victor, Nemec Matjaž, Nesci Denis, Neuhoff Hans, Neumann Hannah, Nevado del Campo Elena, Niebler Angelika, Niedermayer Luděk, Niinistö Ville, Nikolaou-Alavanos Lefteris, Nikolic Aleksandar, Ní Mhurchú Cynthia, Noichl Maria, Nordqvist Rasmus, Novakov Andrey, Nykiel Mirosława, Obajtek Daniel, Ódor Ľudovít, Oetjen Jan-Christoph, Ohisalo Maria, Oliveira João, Olivier Philippe, Omarjee Younous, Ó Ríordáin Aodhán, Ozdoba Jacek, Paet Urmas, Pajín Leire, Palmisano Valentina, Panayiotou Fidias, Papadakis Kostas, Papandreou Nikos, Pappas Nikos, Pascual de la Parte Nicolás, Patriciello Aldo, Paulus Jutta, Pedro Ana Miguel, Pedulla’ Gaetano, Pellerin-Carlin Thomas, Peltier Guillaume, Penkova Tsvetelina, Pennelle Gilles, Pereira Lídia, Pérez Alvise, Peter-Hansen Kira Marie, Petrov Hristo, Picaro Michele, Picierno Pina, Picula Tonino, Piera Pascale, Pimpie Pierre, Piperea Gheorghe, de la Pisa Carrión Margarita, Pokorná Jermanová Jaroslava, Polato Daniele, Polfjärd Jessica, Popescu Virgil-Daniel, Pozņaks Reinis, Prebilič Vladimir, Princi Giusi, Pürner Friedrich, Rackete Carola, Radev Emil, Radtke Dennis, Rafowicz Emma, Ratas Jüri, Razza Ruggero, Rechagneux Julie, Regner Evelyn, Repasi René, Repp Sabrina, Ressler Karlo, Reuten Thijs, Riba i Giner Diana, Ricci Matteo, Ridel Chloé, Riehl Nela, Ripa Manuela, Ros Sempere Marcos, Roth Neveďalová Katarína, Rougé André, Ruissen Bert-Jan, Ruotolo Sandro, Rzońca Bogdan, Saeidi Arash, Salini Massimiliano, Salis Ilaria, Salla Aura, Sánchez Amor Nacho, Sanchez Julien, Sancho Murillo Elena, Sardone Silvia, Šarec Marjan, Sargiacomo Eric, Satouri Mounir, Saudargas Paulius, Sbai Majdouline, Sberna Antonella, Schaldemose Christel, Schaller-Baross Ernő, Schenk Oliver, Scheuring-Wielgus Joanna, Schieder Andreas, Schilling Lena, Schwab Andreas, Scuderi Benedetta, Seekatz Ralf, Sell Alexander, Serrano Sierra Rosa, Serra Sánchez Isabel, Sidl Günther, Sienkiewicz Bartłomiej, Sieper Lukas, Simon Sven, Singer Christine, Sinkevičius Virginijus, Sippel Birgit, Sjöstedt Jonas, Śmiszek Krzysztof, Smith Anthony, Smit Sander, Sokol Tomislav, Solier Diego, Solís Pérez Susana, Sommen Liesbet, Sonneborn Martin, Sorel Malika, Sousa Silva Hélder, Søvndal Villy, Staķis Mārtiņš, Stancanelli Raffaele, Ştefănuță Nicolae, Steger Petra, Stier Davor Ivo, Storm Kristoffer, Stöteler Sebastiaan, Stoyanov Stanislav, Strack-Zimmermann Marie-Agnes, Strada Cecilia, Streit Joachim, Strik Tineke, Strolenberg Anna, Sturdza Şerban Dimitrie, Stürgkh Anna, Sypniewski Marcin, Szczerba Michał, Szekeres Pál, Szydło Beata, Tamburrano Dario, Tânger Corrêa António, Tarczyński Dominik, Tarquinio Marco, Tarr Zoltán, Târziu Claudiu-Richard, Tavares Carla, Tegethoff Kai, Temido Marta, Teodorescu Georgiana, Teodorescu Måwe Alice, Terheş Cristian, Ter Laak Ingeborg, Terras Riho, Tertsch Hermann, Thionnet Pierre-Romain, Timgren Beatrice, Tinagli Irene, Tobé Tomas, Tolassy Rody, Tomac Eugen, Tomašič Zala, Tomaszewski Waldemar, Tomc Romana, Tonin Matej, Toom Jana, Topo Raffaele, Torselli Francesco, Tosi Flavio, Toussaint Marie, Tovaglieri Isabella, Toveri Pekka, Tridico Pasquale, Trochu Laurence, Tsiodras Dimitris, Tudose Mihai, Turek Filip, Tynkkynen Sebastian, Uhrík Milan, Vaidere Inese, Valchev Ivaylo, Vălean Adina, Valet Matthieu, Van Brempt Kathleen, Van Brug Anouk, van den Berg Brigitte, Vandendriessche Tom, Van Dijck Kris, Van Lanschot Reinier, Van Leeuwen Jessika, Vannacci Roberto, Van Overtveldt Johan, Van Sparrentak Kim, Varaut Alexandre, Vasconcelos Ana, Vasile-Voiculescu Vlad, Vautmans Hilde, Vedrenne Marie-Pierre, Ventola Francesco, Verougstraete Yvan, Veryga Aurelijus, Vešligaj Marko, Vicsek Annamária, Vieira Catarina, Vilimsky Harald, Vincze Loránt, Vind Marianne, Vistisen Anders, Vivaldini Mariateresa, Volgin Petar, von der Schulenburg Michael, Vondra Alexandr, Voss Axel, Vozemberg-Vrionidi Elissavet, Vrecionová Veronika, Vázquez Lázara Adrián, Waitz Thomas, Walsh Maria, Walsmann Marion, Warborn Jörgen, Warnke Jan-Peter, Wąsik Maciej, Wawrykiewicz Michał, Wcisło Marta, Wechsler Andrea, Weimers Charlie, Werbrouck Séverine, Wiesner Emma, Wiezik Michal, Wilmès Sophie, Winkler Iuliu, Winzig Angelika, Wiseler-Lima Isabel, Wiśniewska Jadwiga, Wölken Tiemo, Wolters Lara, Yar Lucia, Yon-Courtin Stéphanie, Yoncheva Elena, Zacharia Maria, Zalewska Anna, Žalimas Dainius, Zan Alessandro, Zdechovský Tomáš, Zdrojewski Bogdan Andrzej, Zijlstra Auke, Zīle Roberts, Zingaretti Nicola, Złotowski Kosma, Zoido Álvarez Juan Ignacio, Zovko Željana, Zver Milan

    Excused:

    Morano Nadine, Zarzalejos Javier

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Press release – EP Today, Thursday 13 February

    Source: European Parliament

    EU-Mercosur free-trade agreement

    At 9.00, MEPs and Commissioner Micallef will review the recently concluded EU-Mercosur free-trade deal, amidst a new geopolitical context of increasing unilateralism, and concerns over the deal’s potential effects on European agriculture. If ratified, the deal would gradually phase out duties on 91% of EU exports to Mercosur and 92% of Mercosur exports to the EU. Parliament must give its consent before the agreement can enter into force.

    Eszter ZALÁN

    (+32) 477 99 20 73

    EP Trade

    Threats to EU sovereignty over communication infrastructure

    From around 10.30, MEPs and Commissioner Micallef will assess the EU’s progress in reducing its strategic dependencies in the area of critical communication infrastructure. MEPs are expected to voice concerns that member states may resort to non-EU suppliers of governmental communication infrastructure before the EU’s own system, IRIS² (Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnectivity and Security by Satellite) is operational in 2030.

    Baptiste CHATAIN

    (+32) 498 98 13 37

    EP_Industry

    In brief

    Georgia. In a resolution to be voted on at noon, MEPs are set to declare that Georgia’s self-proclaimed authorities have no legitimacy, and are expected to call for EU sanctions against leading Georgian politicians. In the draft text, Parliament also recognises Salome Zourabichvili as Georgia’s legitimate president.

    Congo. At noon, MEPs will vote on a resolution on the escalation of violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. The draft text demands the suspension of the EU deal with Rwanda on sustainable value chains for critical raw materials and calls on the Rwandan government to withdraw its troops from the DRC’s territory and cease cooperation with the M23 rebels.

    Votes

    At noon, plenary will also vote on:

    • the recent dismissals and arrests of mayors in Türkiye,
    • the repression by the Ortega-Murillo regime in Nicaragua, targeting human rights defenders, political opponents and religious communities in particular, and
    • the continued detention and risk of the death penalty for individuals in Nigeria charged with blasphemy, notably the case of Yahaya Sharif-Aminu.

    Live coverage of the plenary session can be found on Parliament’s webstreaming and on EbS+.

    For detailed information on the session, please also see our newsletter.

    Find more information regarding plenary.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Ukraine’s resilience remains nothing short of extraordinary: UK Statement to the OSCE

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    UK Military Advisor, Lt Col Joby Rimmer, says nobody desires peace more than Ukraine, yet peace must be just and sustainable. It is our responsibility to ensure that they do not stand alone.

    Thank you, Mr Chair. As we approach the fourth year of Russia’s illegal war of aggression, Ukraine’s resilience remains nothing short of extraordinary. Despite immense challenges, Ukraine continues to demonstrate an unbreakable spirit and an unyielding commitment to its sovereignty, freedom, and the rules-based international order.

    Last week at the FSC, the Russian Delegation stated that they owned ‘the strategic initiative along the entire line of contact’. But Ukrainian forces continue to hold their ground, not only defending their homeland but also reclaiming and securing additional territory, including in Kursk. Russian open sources report the Russian VDV 11th Airborne brigade commander has been relieved of duty following his failure to stop this recent Ukrainian counterattack. DPRK Troops deployed to the frontlines in December 2024, were withdrawn from their positions to recuperate following heavy losses. As of mid-January 2025, DPRK forces had highly likely sustained c4,000 casualties, more than one third of the 11,000 troops deployed to Kursk. Far from maintaining the ‘strategic initiative’, Russia has to resort to recklessly deploying DPRK troops to the front line, showing a complete disregard for human life, whilst not even officially acknowledging their presence on the battlefield.

    There is no evidence of a Russian willingness to compromise. Russia spoke of being ‘open to reasonable initiatives to achieve a peaceful resolution’. But when examining the options available, Moscow has chosen a path of aggression, regardless of the catastrophic loss of life on both sides. There is no sense of reason. This is not a ‘special military operation’. It is a full-scale invasion and occupation attempt, a blatant violation of international law, and a direct challenge to global stability.

    No one desires peace more than Ukraine. The Ukrainian people have suffered relentless bombardment and forced displacement, and we see the UN reports of war crimes committed by Russian forces. Yet peace must be just and sustainable. A truly just and lasting peace means one that respects the UN Charter and the Helsinki Final Act. Ukraine cannot be expected to surrender its sovereignty or accept a dictated settlement that rewards Russian aggression. The Russian delegation in this forum said there will be no ‘freeze along the line of contact’. We would agree. Russia must withdraw from all of Ukraine’s sovereign territory. Any peace that fails to hold Russia accountable will only invite further aggression – not just against Ukraine, but against other nations that dare to assert their independence.

    President Putin’s war is built on a demand for total submission through violence. No sovereign nation could or should, accept such terms. The international community has a moral and strategic obligation to stand with Ukraine. Our commitment to Ukraine remains absolute. We will continue to confront Russian aggression through military, economic, and diplomatic means. We will hold President Putin and his regime accountable for their war crimes. We will ensure that Ukraine has the resources necessary to defend itself for as long as it takes. Ukraine’s courage and determination have already defied expectations. It is our responsibility to ensure that they do not stand alone. Thank you, Mr Chair.

    Updates to this page

    Published 13 February 2025

    Invasion of Ukraine

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Update on UK Shared Prosperity Fund Delivery Plan progress

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    An update on the progress being made across a range of interventions under the UK Government funded UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) priorities of Communities and Places, Supporting Local Business and People and Skills was noted by Members of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee today (Thursday 13 February 2025). The report included reference to the Highland UKSPF allocation for 2025/26 and the work being progressed to establish a Delivery Plan for the coming financial year.

    Chair of the Committee, Councillor Ken Gowans said: “As the UK Shared Prosperity Fund allocation must be spent within the 2025/26 financial year it is critical that projects are selected that will meet that timeframe. Members have agreed that a report will be presented, with recommendations, to the next Economy and Infrastructure Committee in May this year to enable Councillors to make decisions on which projects will go ahead.”

    The update to Members included information on some key projects including:

    Community Regeneration Fund Programme –

    The majority of UKSPF projects managed by the Community Regeneration Fund team have now commenced activity. The team are in regular contact with the grantees to ensure that all the approved outcomes will be met and in line with the UKSPF deadlines and areas of intervention.

    Active Travel Enhancements and Small-Scale Transport Projects –

    Work is progressing on active travel projects to improve access to public transport and walking, wheeling and cycling facilities. Highlighted projects that were recently completed included: active travel works in Fort William, at Obsdale Road in Alness and the footpath from Balloch to Sunnyside east of Inverness. Works have started on cycle storage at six primary schools across the region and contracts have been awarded for footpath and crossing points in Hilton and Raigmore housing estates in Inverness.

    Development of Area Place Plans –

    The latest positions on the establishment of Area Place Plans was provided for Black Isle and Easter Ross, Dingwall and Seaforth, Lochaber, Sutherland, Caithness, Wester Ross, Strathpeffer and Lochalsh, Skye and Raasay, Inverness and Nairn.

    Development and Promotion of the Visitor Economy –

    The allocation from UK Shared Prosperity Fund to develop and promote the visitor economy is being utilised across several projects, including: The Glencoe Three Sisters Visitor Facilities; Glencoe Village Car Park Project; the pan-Highland Motorhome Signage Project; and Na Trads 2024 – MG ALBA Scots Traditional Music Awards which was held in Inverness in November 2024.

    Business Support Start Up and Growth Grants –

    The Highland Council Business Gateway service delivers the Business start-up and growth grants for the UKSPF programme.  A total 381 eligible businesses were approved for the start-up grant by the end of December 2024, and 65 businesses were supported with a growth grant.

    People and Skills –

    Support is being provided for unemployed or economically inactive people of working age who need between 6 to 12 months support to progress into employment. The two providers – Enable Scotland and Triage Centrum have continued to progress well in seeking referrals, with 251 clients registered to date and receiving support and 82 clients now in employment at this stage.

    Area and Green Skills Training and Facilities –

    Green skills training is being delivered with four consortia business grants awarded, with projects now completed or near completion. Over 120 people have been supported to gain a green skills qualification or complete a course, and more than 40 are in employment following support through:

    • Green Engineers for the Future, UHI North, West and Hebrides.
    • For Peat’s Sake – consortia of businesses, Nature Scot and UHI Northwest Highland and Hebrides College.
    • Access to Engineering, Nigg Skills Academy.
    • Highland Green Skills, UHI Inverness.

    Castle Training Programme –

    A partnership with officers of The Highland Council, Developing the Young Workforce, UHI, and training providers is developing employability pathways for school leavers or those who would like to return to work to consider a career or role as part of the new Inverness Castle visitor experience team. To date, over 500 adult numeracy courses have been run in Highland through the Multiply programme

    Multiply –

    With twelve contracted providers across the region, this project continues to deliver support to people over the age of 16 to help improve their numeracy skills through free personal tutoring and digital training.

    Budget Management –

    The 2022-25 Highland UKSPF budget is £9.44m, comprising £7.81m allocated for Communities and Places, Supporting Local Business, and People and Skills priorities, and £1.63m ring fenced to Multiply (adult numeracy training), with spend allowed up to end March 2025.

    In December 2024, the UK Government confirmed the UKSPF allocations for 2025/26, for Highland as £3.10m (£0.88m capital; and £2.22m revenue).

    The update report presented to committee is available on the council’s website here – Item 8

    -ends-

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –